House

What is Flanders House?

Flanders House was formed and is funded by the Government of Flanders, a regional government of the federal country, which is Belgium. Flanders House promotes a better understanding of the region of Flanders through the arts, science, technology, and education.

Are there strong links between Flanders and the United States?

The US is an important partner for Flanders. For instance, the US is Flanders’ main foreign investor with 23% of its foreign direct investments. Flanders, through its recognized pioneering role in the establishment of ‘New Amsterdam’ 400 years ago, and through its later large emigration to the US, has built up strong historical and cultural links with the US. We share many values and ideas. This relationship is underestimated and often even misunderstood on both sides of the ocean. The values that came from the Low Countries to America in the 16th and 17th centuries shaped to a large extent the American mentality. America never behaved like any other British colony. From its inception it rebelled against foreign and unelected monarchs and officials. That spirit of urban rebellion came out of Flanders and the Netherlands and was the strongest in the Northern states of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Why is Flanders House located in New York?

New York is the economical and cultural capital of the United States and the world. Creative and talented people of all over the world come together in this great city, so it’s key for Flanders to be present here. New York is also a special place for Flanders. In the 16th and 17th century it were Flemings, Hollanders, Brabanters and others who escaped the injustices of the Old World, and came to this place to create a new society, based on tolerance, freedom, and entrepreneurship. These were the values that our forefathers brought to America and that helped the US grow into the most powerful republic on earth.

How can I contact Flanders House?

For all community related issues, please contact Ellen at Ellen@flandershouse.org.

For all culture related issues, please contact Frank at Frank@flandershouse.org.

For all media related affairs, please contact Nicolas at Nicolas@flandershouse.org.

Otherwise, Flanders House can be contacted every weekday between 9 am and 5 pm Eastern Daylight Time. Feel free to email us at info@flandershouse.org or call us at (212) 584 2200.

How can I reach Flanders House?

Flanders House can easily be reached by public transport: it is housed on the 44th floor of The New York Times Building, right across from Port Authority (buses from New York & New Jersey) and is also easily accessed via Subway Station Port Authority - 42nd Street - Times Square (lines N, R, Q, W, A, C, E, 1, 2, 3, 7, S).