House of the Liberal Society

In the charming town of Geraardsbergen, Belgium, the House of the Liberal Society, known locally as Liberale Kring, stands as a testament to the town's rich historical tapestry and architectural splendor. This 19th-century former bank building, crafted in the elegant Empire style, is a jewel of heritage and cultural significance. Designed by the renowned architect Louis Roelandt, the building was constructed in 1817 and has since been a notable landmark, drawing the admiration of both locals and visitors.

The Origins of the House of the Liberal Society

The site where the House of the Liberal Society now stands was once occupied by the Groot Landhuis, a grand estate built between 1598 and 1600. This building served as a meeting place for the governing body of the Land of Aalst, to which Geraardsbergen belonged. The Groot Landhuis was demolished in the early 19th century following the annexation of the Austrian Netherlands by France in 1795, which led to the dissolution of many old institutions, including the College of the Land of Aalst.

Commissioned by François G. A. Spitaels

The House of the Liberal Society was commissioned by François G. A. Spitaels, a linen merchant and banker. His father, Jean-François Spitaels, was the first banker in Geraardsbergen. Under the French regime, the Spitaels family expanded their wealth and influence, benefiting from the dissolution of various monastic communities. François Spitaels chose the Empire style for the building, reflecting his admiration for the French Republic, which had significantly contributed to the family's rise in power and capital.

The building at Markt 47, one of the five bank buildings owned by the Spitaels family between 1789 and 1904, was one of Louis Roelandt's first commissions. Roelandt, who was based in Ghent at the time, would later become one of Belgium's most celebrated architects.

A Hub for the Liberal Party

After François Spitaels passed away in 1827, the building was inherited by his sons, Ferdinand and Prosper. Prosper became the sole owner in 1856, according to land registry records. However, in 1872, Prosper's business went bankrupt, and his liberal friends purchased the building. The House of the Liberal Society thus became a hub for the Liberal Party, known as the Liberale Kring or de Cerkel among locals.

In 1873, a rear wing was added to the building, accessible via the carriageway, which was used as a meeting or banquet hall. Over the following decades, the building changed hands several times. In 1884, it was acquired by the almshouse of Geraardsbergen, and by 1924, it was under the ownership of the public welfare committee and associates. In 1962, the building was returned to the descendants of the original 50+ owners. However, the large number of co-owners contributed to the building's neglect over the years.

Preservation and Restoration

On March 10, 1994, a definitive decision was made to protect the House of the Liberal Society as a heritage site. The first phase of restoration involved repairing the roof, followed by the restoration of the staircase hall, first floor, and façade between 2011 and 2012. The façade, which had been painted white with azure blue ornaments before the 2011 restoration, was repainted based on color research.

Architectural Features

The House of the Liberal Society is located opposite the town hall of Geraardsbergen, adjacent to the St. Bartholomew's Church. The façade is a plastered list façade with seven bays. The frieze above the windows of the bel-etage features emblems representing trade, shipping, and abundance. One of the most striking interior features is the circular staircase hall, with a grand, wide wooden spiral staircase leading from the ground floor to the bel-etage, illuminated by a dome.

A New Chapter: The Manneken Pis Museum

In May 2014, the House of the Liberal Society began a new chapter when the Manneken Pis House, a museum dedicated to the Geraardsbergen Manneken Pis, was established on the first floor. This addition has further cemented the building's status as a cultural and historical landmark in Geraardsbergen.

In conclusion, the House of the Liberal Society is not just an architectural marvel but also a symbol of the town's dynamic history and cultural evolution. Its walls echo the stories of its past, from its beginnings as a bank to its current role as a museum and heritage site. A visit to this splendid building offers a unique glimpse into the rich tapestry of Geraardsbergen's history and the enduring legacy of the Spitaels family.