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Farmers’ Tower (Borentoren), Art Déco skyscraper, AntwerpFarmers’ Tower (Borentoren), Art Déco skyscraper, Antwerp

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Explo writer
Aug's picture
Aug
32635 pts.
  • Off the path Explo
    46 %
    Off the path Explo rate
    Score
    2.3 / 5
    Comments
    This is an impressive skyscraper. But seems a bit renown in the region huh?
  • Article Quality
    70 %
    Article Quality rate
    • Score
      4 / 5
      Comments
      Description is ok. Tips are bit low!
    • Score
      2.4 / 5
      Comments
      Do you have more useful information about how getting in?
    • Score
      1 / 5
      Comments
      Yes, 1.
    • Score
      5 / 5
      Comments
      Yes.
    • Score
      5 / 5
      Comments
      Yes.
  • Explo Popularity
    %

An Art Déco style skyscraper in the heart of Antwerpen city center.

My experience, Explo description: 

The Farmers’ Tower (Borentoren) is now called the KBC Tower. It was built in 1929-1932.

The name 'Borentoren' (Farmers’ Tower) comes from the fact that farmers were the largest customers of KB Bank during most of the 20th century.

With a 97.75 meters height, it was the first Art Déco style skyscraper in Europe. This tower (used as an office tower for the bank KBC) was built in 1929-1932. The architect was Jan Van Hoenacker.

Unfortunately, as this tower was one of the first skyscrapers in Europe, the architects weren’t sure in the calculation of the tower structure measurements and some of the structure walls are 6 times thicker than they should be... Just in case!

The tower suffered from a bad reputation and the government even wanted to take it down in the 60’s...

My personal recommendations: 

Unfortunately, access is not permitted to public, except for particular days and occasions. That’s sad because when the weather is nice, some say that you can see the Brussel’s Atomium from the top... You can give a ring before getting there, and who knows, you might be able to enter!

How getting there: 

Eiermarkt & Meirbrug street junction.

A tip to eat: 

Many restaurants around.