Under the influence of economic and technological developments, the shop has undergone profound changes over the past two centuries: from the passage and the simple shophouse via the shop window and the department store to large chain stores and shopping centres on the outskirts of the city. Changes in style and taste also determined the shop’s appearance. Architects and interior designers often left their mark on the design and layout of the commercial premises.
"Attractive shop fronts and shop windows are eye-catchers in the streetscape and the ideal way to attract the attention of the passer-by."‐ Dirk Laureys, collection manager
Louis Serrure, Passage Dehaen in Antwerp, 1838
Emiel Van Averbeke and Willem Diehl, shop De Ooievaar in Antwerp, 1899
Jozef Meulepas, shop Torfs in Lier, 1921
Léon Stynen, shop Plein in Knokke, c. 1924
Eugène Wauters, shop Ciné in Turnhout, 1960
Léon Stynen, tobacco store Vander Elst in Antwerp, c. 1923
Léon Stynen, Paul De Meyer and Paul Meekels, shop Climan in Antwerp, c. 1954
Cornelius Sol, showcase shop Guwy in Lier, 1931
Edward Van Steenbergen en Roger Verdun, shoe store in Antwerp, c. 1956
Léon Stynen and Paul De Meyer, C&A store in Gent, c. 1967
Walter Toubhans, shop Knuysen in Wijnegem, c. 1962Would you like to consult an archive?
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Closed: 25.12.2023-31.12.2023
The archive can be visited in groups. Requests for this need to be made at least 3 weeks in advance via architectuurarchief@vai.be.
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