Brussels gallery New Hope celebrates 20th century design

A ruined ballroom opposite the Horta museum in Brussels is reborn as a gallery dedicated to modern design.

The New Hope gallery is a partnership between the architect Olivier Dwek and entrepreneur Frédéric Hanrez – whose family owned the building in which the art center is now based.

In 1865 the space was turned into a ballroom for Hanrez’s great-great-great-great-grandfather’s 25th wedding anniversary, but by the time he decided to use the space, it was nothing more than a ruin. The entrepreneur has an extensive collection of 20th century coins furniture from New Hope, PA – which explains the name of the gallery.

Dwek revamped the dilapidated space, installing black lava flooring, handmade black bricks and floor-to-ceiling windows and spent five years completing the gallery.

A vast slab of green marble divides the space, forming the backdrop for furniture by George Nakashima, Jean Prouvé and Ole Larsen, works by Brigitte Marionneau and ceramics by Suzanne Ramié. Hanrez plans to use the gallery to host temporary exhibitions, which will include pieces from his impressive collection.

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