Brussels has a new hotspot that’s sure to turn the heads of interior design enthusiasts! The Italian brand Kartell, famous for its bold, innovative designs, has just opened a spacious flagship store at the foot of the Bastion Tower, just a stone’s throw from the Porte de Namur. With its 350 m², it is one of the brand’s largest showrooms in Europe.
A high-profile return to the capital
Having previously had a presence in the Dansaert neighborhood, Kartell is now returning with a project on a completely different scale. The brand has chosen to set up shop on the ground floor of the Bastion Tower, in an area undergoing rapid transformation. The location aims to be much more than just a store. It brings together the brand’s new releases and iconic pieces under one roof. It also offers a consultation service for interior design projects, both residential and commercial.
Visitors will be able to explore the full range of the Kartell universe, from furniture to lighting, including collections dedicated to the living room, dining room, and outdoor spaces.
When Italian design meets Brussels brutalism
To design this new showcase, Kartell enlisted the help of Brussels-based architect Bruno Erpicum. His vision? To preserve the building’s identity by retaining as much of the original materials— concrete, steel, and glass— as possible, thereby creating a striking contrast with the shapes, colors, and textures of the designs on display.
The result is a bright, open space that avoids the feel of a traditional showroom. Here, visitors can wander freely among the collections, in a setting where raw architecture interacts with the elegance of contemporary Italian design.
Much more than just iconic chairs
While the name Kartell immediately brings to mind certain iconic design pieces, the brand now aims to showcase a much broader range of its expertise. The flagship store highlights its new collections of sofas, armchairs, bookcases, and accessories, alongside creations by Philippe Starck, Patricia Urquiola, and Piero Lissoni.
At a time when furniture is often purchased online, this opening focuses on a more sensory experience. Feeling the materials, comparing finishes, testing the comfort of an armchair: these are all things that no screen can truly replace. A good reason to step inside, even if just out of curiosity!
📍Address: Square du Bastion 9, 1050 Ixelles
