Interieur van een feestzaal te Antwerpen 1894

This photograph captures the interior of a festival hall in Antwerp, and was taken in 1894 by Th. Lantin. The photograph speaks to the rapid industrialization during that time, with the building's infrastructure comprised of iron and glass, materials emblematic of modernity. The scale of this building suggests a society capable of massive construction projects, ones dependent on complex systems of resource extraction, factory production, and labor. Looking closely, you can see repetitive patterns in the ironwork and glass roof, showing how industrial processes could generate architectural forms. The image also conveys a sense of social space. The hall is arranged to accommodate a large number of people, reflecting the growing importance of public events and mass gatherings in the late 19th century. By examining the materials and the making of this space, we gain insight into the cultural, and industrial forces that shaped this historical moment.