Franklin Rooseveltplaats
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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The Franklin Rooseveltplaats is a large square in the city of Antwerp, Belgium, placed at the crossing of the Leien and Turnhoutsebaan, and within walking distance of the Koningin Astridplein and Antwerp-Central station. The square functions primarily as the main bus station in Antwerp, which with its 28 platforms handles a large part of all bus transport in the city, as well as several tram routes.
History
The square is built on the spot were previously stood the Kipdorp gate, a part of the 16th century city walls that were demolished in 1860. It was initially called the "Victorieplaats" ("Victory square"), after the victory of the citizens over the French Duke of Anjou in an effort to conquer the city known as the French Fury. However, a few years later, in 1868, it was decided to rename the square as the "Gemeenteplaats" ("Municipality square "), after the victorious citizens (called "Gemeentenaars") in the same event. The street joining the square with the Astridplein was in the same fashion named the "Gemeentestraat" (and still bears this name today). Apart from the official name, the square was also regularly called the "Geuzenhofkes" by local citizens, referring to the many plants functioning as decoration on the square.
The Royal Athenaeum was built here in 1882-84. It was designed by Pieter Jan August Dens in collaboration with Ferdinand Truyman.
After the Allied victory in the First World War, the square was once again named the Victorieplaats, this time referring to the four main allied victors, France, the UK, the US and Italy. The square eventually received its present name after the Second World War, honoring the recently deceased American president Franklin D. Roosevelt.