The Gold Office | Waagcomplex - Groningen

Waagstraat is one of the oldest streets in Groningen. Indications have been found that a road already ran there in the second century. In 1635, the Gold Office was built there, replacing the presbytery that stood there. Architect of this historic building was most probably Johan Isbrants, at that time the city architect of Groningen.

The building was built in Renaissance style. The shell-shaped elements above the window frames are probably by a sculptor from Bremen, Germany, and there was a Tuscan loggia in front of the building. After remodelling in 1844, the loggia was demolished and the sculpture on top was incorporated into the facade, above the entrance gate. On the building is the motto ‘Date Caesari quae sunt Caesaris’, which means ‘Give the emperor what is the emperor's’ and dates from the time it served as a collection house

Over the years, the building has undergone many renovations and restorations. In World War II, the entire Waagstraat was destroyed by bombing. The only building that survived the bombing was the Gold Office. It was not until 1962 that the empty space was filled with the New Town Hall, which was already demolished in 1994.

In 1996, the current Waagcomplex was completed. The complex is the design of Adolfo Natalini (Italy 1941-2000). The complex houses shops, offices and flats. A beautiful glass canopy connects the historic Gold office with the modern Waagcomplex, creating a spectacular architectural connection between old and new. On the corner of Waagstraat/Guldenstraat, on one of the pillars of the complex, you will find a poem by Jean Pierre Rawie (Scheveningen 1951).

Image 1: Photo via Het Goudkantoor
Image 2: Photo by Groninger Archives
Image 3: Drawing C.H. Peters, Groninger Archives