Rogier Tower

Can a building whisper secrets? The Rogier Tower certainly seems to. This striking skyscraper, standing tall in Brussels’ Northern Quarter, has seen its share of transformations. The Rogier Tower wasn’t always known by this name. It once bore the moniker of Dexia Tower, after the bank that occupied it. The 2007-2012 global financial crisis dealt a heavy blow to Dexia. The tower’s name was subsequently changed in 2012. After Dexia moved to the Bastion Tower, Belfius took over. Now, it’s often referred to as the Belfius Tower. The tower rises to a height of 137 meters. It occupies the space where the Rogier International Centre, also known as the Martini Tower, once stood. That older tower was demolished in 2001 to make way for this modern giant. The Rogier Tower’s construction, between 2002 and 2006, was a feat of engineering. It boasts 38 floors and houses a vast floor area of over 111,903 square meters. Look closely at the roof. Notice how it’s not your typical flat top. It consists of three inclined sections, a unique feature that adds to the tower’s distinct silhouette. Another striking feature is its fully glass roof. Thousands of windows adorn the Rogier Tower, many equipped with an array of LED lights. Each light can glow red, green, or blue, creating a kaleidoscope of colors against the Brussels skyline. These lights, illuminating from behind closed blinds, transform the tower into a giant pixelated display. In the past, these displays showed abstract patterns or the temperature. On special occasions, customized displays lit up the night. Though the light shows were scaled back during the recession, Belfius has since revived them. Keep an eye out during special events like Belgian Pride or the National Day, when the Rogier Tower truly shines. From financial turmoil to dazzling light displays, the Rogier Tower’s story is etched into the fabric of Brussels. It stands as a symbol of resilience, adaptation, and the ever-changing landscape of the city.