Between Art Deco and modernism the Radio House stands. It’s a marvellous example of aesthetics meeting technical achievement. This building in Brussels is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a testament to a time when radio ruled the airwaves.
The Radio House also known as the Flagey Building was built in 1938. It housed the Institut national belge de radiodiffusion INR. This was the Belgian National Broadcasting Institute. The building’s shape echoes the 1930s fascination with the architecture of machines particularly liners. It’s a “paquebot” style Art Deco masterpiece.
Imagine the buzz of activity inside during its heyday. Announcers prepared broadcasts. Technicians monitored equipment. The air crackled with anticipation before each show. The INR’s broadcasts abruptly stopped in 1940. This was a direct consequence of the German invasion of Belgium. Under occupation the INR became Radio Bruxelles.
Many INR employees found refuge in London. There they joined the BBC. They continued broadcasting as Radio Belgique Radio Belgie under the Office de Radiodiffusion Nationale Belge. This was the Belgian national broadcasting office set up by the government in exile. After the war the INR and the RNB reunited. The INR’s original mission was restored.
The INR became a founding member of the European Broadcasting Union in 1950. In 1960 it merged into the Radio-Télévision Belge RTB. The RTB moved to new facilities in 1967. The Radio House served its purpose. It stood as a symbol of a bygone era. It’s a reminder of the power of radio in shaping Belgian history and culture. The Radio House now stands quiet but its story echoes through time. It whispers tales of broadcasts triumphs challenges and resilience. A visit to this Art Deco gem is a journey through Belgium’s radio heritage. Take a moment to absorb the beauty and history within these walls.