Objects With Narratives, Brussels, Belgium
The Contemporary Gallery for Functional Art and
As grand and opulent as a fine art museum, the 100-year-old R. Mallien furrier building is a Beaux Arts gem on the Place du Grand Sablon in Brussels. The four-storey end-of-terrace townhouse is blessed with original plasterwork, gilded cornicing and frescos, as well as beautifully maintained stonework on the façade. So when its lease became available, the collectible-design gallery Objects With Narratives leapt at the chance to move in.
Nestled among Brussels’ most iconic landmarks, “The Grand Sablon 40” spans over 2000 sqm across three floors, offering a new canvas for our artists breathing fresh life into its rich history, bridging past with the present.
Through diverse exhibitions, art programs and events, we aim to create a dynamic podium for contemporary emerging and established artists worldwide, with a particular emphasis on showcasing the mastery of Belgium’s leading craftsmen.
The gallery is a continuation of curated spaces, each having their own unique narrative. The promenade starts in the famously decorated ballroom where Brussels’ bourgeoisie once had their couture wishes tailored. It serves as a prelude, offering a glimpse into the diverse rooms that await. Adjacent to the ballroom is the re-imagined director’s office, seamlessly blending tradition with a contemporary twist and moving beyond, our classical white cube becomes the backdrop for wall pieces, sculptures, and objets d’art. The first floor unveils an uninterrupted space for dedicated projects, hosting solo and curated exhibitions, while the second floor unfolds as our showroom and polyvalent playground, adapting to the dynamic needs of the art and design community.
The most striking room is the old ballroom beyond the entrance, used by Belgian furrier Raymond Mallien as a couture salon. Here, owners Nik Vandewyngaerde, Robbe Vandewyngaerde and Oskar Eryatmaz have exhibited tables by Mircea Anghel, Laurids Gallée, Cedric Breisacher and Ben Storms, who headlined one of two solo shows during the Collectible design fair .
