Postgebouw van Oostende

Postgebouw van Oostende is the former post office building at Hendrik Serruyslaan 18 in Ostend, designed by Ghent architect Gaston Eysselinck. It is the only public building this architect ever designed, and today it is known as Grote Post, the city's cultural centre.

Why was a new building constructed on this site?

The previous post office on the same plot dated from 1902–1906 and was designed by architect Charles De Wulf. It was destroyed by bombing during the Second World War. The task of rebuilding on the same site was given to Eysselinck in 1945, and the actual construction work ran from 1947 to 1953.

How was Eysselinck's design received?

The building's origins were not without tension. Already during the design phase, a conflict arose between the architect, the city administration, and the commissions responsible for approving the plans. According to the commission, the design resembled an industrial building and gave a gloomy impression. Even the city's mayor at the time, Serruys, reportedly declared himself completely opposed to the design. Despite these objections, the building was ultimately constructed according to the architect's vision, and over time it gained recognition as an example of post-war modernism.

What decoration can be seen on the building?

The interior features a painted frieze, the execution of which was entrusted to a young Brussels artist, Emy De Cock. The work took no less than six years to complete and depicts the history of trades and crafts. On the building's facade, since 1963, there has also been a bronze sculpture by Jozef Cantré, titled "The Media of Communication, or Unity of the World through Telephony, Telegraphy and Postal Traffic." This symbolic composition directly references the building's original function as a post and telecommunications office.

When did the building become a protected monument?

Despite the controversy surrounding its construction, the architectural significance of the building was eventually recognised. On 22 September 1981, the building was granted protected monument status, confirming its value as an example of post-war modernist architecture in Belgium.

What happens in the building today?

The postal service left the building in 1999, ending nearly half a century of use in its original function. Two years later, in 2001, the property was purchased by the city of Ostend. It was given a new purpose and name — Cultuurcentrum de Grote Post, a cultural centre. Today, the former post office hosts cultural events and remains one of the city's distinctive architectural landmarks.

Frequently asked questions

Who designed the Postgebouw van Oostende? The building was designed by Ghent architect Gaston Eysselinck — it was the only public building in his body of work.

When was the current building constructed? It was built between 1947 and 1953, on the site of an earlier post office building destroyed during the Second World War.

Is the building a protected monument? Yes, it has held protected monument status since 22 September 1981.

What function does the building serve today? Since 2001, it has housed a cultural centre known as Grote Post, owned by the city of Ostend.