Historical background

In its capacity as a limited liability company providing a public service, the National Bank has many public interest missions to carry out. The support that it has given since 1972 to contemporary Belgian creations has gradually developed along with the extension of these missions.

Koen Theys, Big Tunnel (1992), Courtesy Koen Theys
Koen Theys, Big Tunnel (1992), Courtesy Koen Theys

Originally, this initiative was in keeping with the development of corporate sponsorship, nowadays typified by large companies as well as central banks, including the European Central Bank, building up their own art collections, among other things.

Since the acquired paintings, drawings, photos and sculptures are hung up on the walls of its premises, they are not usually seen by the public. The National Bank gives all due care to the management and conservation of this cultural heritage.