Van Elmpthuis
This former bank building was built in 1928 to a design by Groningen architect A.Th. van Elmpt. It has a striking Art Deco style and is richly decorated.
Take a closer look
The façade features various masonry dressings of dark brown brick in the characteristic geometric Art Deco motifs. The staggered surfaces and cascading brickwork are accentuated by sculptures by Willem Valk. The bear carved in red sandstone at the corner is particularly striking. This may be a reference to the fact that, according to tradition, the animal is always busy gathering honey in order, in its own way, to accumulate wealth. The main entrance and the façade on the Herestraat side are decorated with abstract decorations. Mercury, the Roman god of trade, marks the side entrance.