
Ernest Van Humbeeck (1839–1907) was a Belgian architect known for his expertise in various building techniques and his use of structural elements inspired by medieval master builders to create lightness and height in architectural spaces. Van Humbeeck trained in the studio of painter Jean-François Portaels and likely studied in architectural workshops, which contributed to his versatile approach to design. He is best known for designing the Tour et Taxis royal warehouse in Brussels (1904–1907), an imposing industrial complex that remains one of his most significant contributions to Belgian architecture. In addition to large-scale projects, he also designed artists’ studios, where he demonstrated his skill in metal framework construction. Van Humbeeck was related to Pierre Van Humbeeck (1829–1890), Belgium’s Minister of Public Instruction. Another notable work attributed to him is the original building of the Great Mosque of Brussels, constructed in a neo-Moorish style as part of the Oriental Pavilion for the Brussels International Exposition of 1897.