Initiated in 1918, the construction works of Het Pomphuis were finalized in 1920. The 3 massive cast-iron installations of Het Pomphuis, in its time one of the largest establishments in Europe, drained the neighbouring dry dock nr 7 so a vessel could be maintained, embarked and disembarked. The shipping company “Red Star Line” made use of its services on a regular basis.A loyal customer in those days was the vessel “Belgenland”, operating a shipping line between Antwerp and New York. The atmosphere of the vessel and the grandeur of the Art Nouveau movement are still apparent. The centrifugal pumps were able to drain the dry dock in merely 2 hours time. Since 1982, Het Pomphuis was put out of service. The dry dock nr 7 has disappeared meanwhile in order to facilitate the widening of the Albert canal. In 1996, it was even suggested to demolish this construction, however, the department of cultural conservation was able to prevent this and has classified the building as a monument.The architectural style is eclectic and has acquired Art Nouveau characteristics. The inside of the building is divided into one vast space containing an impressive 7-meter-deep pit. The staircases along the inner walls of the entry hall lead up to metal galleries displaying graceful iron parapets and this on 2 levels. Striking are the tall round-arch windows with the original positioning of the metal rods. To prevent that this monument would fall in the hands of time, there was given permission to find a new destination. After multiple propositions, there was chosen for an exciting restaurant & bar, the rebuilding was concluded on the 25 th of may 2002. After the spectacular opening, it became quite clear that Antwerp had gained a new pearl.
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