Santiago Calatrava Unveils His Newly Designed Liege-Guillemins TGV Railway Station

On Friday, September 18th, Santiago Calatrava unveiled one of his most ambitious architectural projects to date, the Liege-Guillemins TGV Railway Station in Belgium. Designed by Calatrava to meet the demands of high-speed travel, the station will bring new life into the industrial city of Liege, while positioning it as the epicenter of the North European High-Speed Network.

Who is Santiago Calatrava?

Santiago Calatrava is a Spanish Architect, spreading inspiration in cities around the world. He is originally known for his bridges which take on the human form. He is also the mastermind behind the Chicago Spire and the Valencia Opera House in Spain. Calatrava strives to create a harmony between the natural world, his architectural work, and the people inside the building and out. (www.calatrava.com)

Liege-Guillemins High-Speed Station: What's the hype about this transportation cathedral?

Santiago Calatrava's latest work is the new train station in Liege. After ten years of work, the station is now open to the public. It connects Liege to Brussels, Paris, Aachen, Cologne and Frankfurt. From the outside-its futuristic curvature would have the onlookers wondering if it is a new NASA building. Attractive and flexible, it is a modern transportation center; providing user-friendly space to individuals and businesses.  Santiago Calatrava is a Spanish Architect, spreading inspiration in cities around the world. He is originally known for his bridges which take on the human form. He is also the mastermind behind the Chicago Spire and the Valencia Opera House in Spain. Calatrava strives to create a harmony between the natural world, his architectural work, and the people inside the building and out.

Why it's time to discover Liege!

From the prestigious museums, like the newly-renovated Grand Curtius (www.grandcurtiusliege.be) complex,to the singing bars, monuments and astounding architecture, one can bounce from the metropolis to the soothing river banks. Stroll through the courtyard of Prince-Bishops' Palace  surrounded by four galleries with Gothic vaults. Shop 'til you drop at La Batte , where 500 vendors commandeer the wharves of the river Meuse every Sunday morning. Or, travel through the evolution of modern and contemporary art at the Modern and Contemporary Art Museum. Over the holiday season, check out the Liege Christmas Market, which takes place throughout December at the Prince-Bishops' Palace.

Photos: eltgv@AlainJanssens