Image by Ysabel jongeneelen

In Antwerp we have a controversial building at the outskirts of town: The Law Courts. We call it also the ‘Vlinderpaleis’ (Butterfly palace) because it has strange ‘wings’ on the roof. A sweet name for such a building.

It was designed by the famous architect Richard Rogers. When it was finished in 2006 everybody spoke of it. Some people thought it was ugly, others thought it was a spectacular beauty. It cost a fortune and it took years to build it. The roof is made of stainless steel and looks like shark fins or waves. From a lot of places in the city you can see the threatening rooftops.

They used also a lot of glass. ‘They’ say they want to make every visitor at ease by the glass and the open character of the building. I don’t find it a reassuring place. It looks dangerous and impressive on the outside. The hall is enormous.

I go there sometimes for my work (Juvenile Court). Behind the glossy facade it is a sad place where they made some crucial errors in the design and for people who have unpleasant business to take care of it’s cold and hostile.

I live very close to this building. At night it can be special – like a big dragon in the dark. It is great for photographers. I can recommend everybody to pass by, to look inside, but remember: in the belly of the dragon there is mostly misery.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Court house of Antwerp | Art & culture | Free
Bolivarplaats 20 | Zuid | +3232578011
Mon – Fri 08:30 – 12:30 & 13:30 – 16:00, closed on holidays