Erasmus building
The Erasmus building at the Court of Justice of the European Union is named after Renaissance humanist Desiderius Erasmus, honouring his legacy of education, cultural exchange and independent thought. Originally completed in 1988 and later renovated, it houses the General Court Judges, their chambers, and three courtrooms used for public hearings.
Who was Erasmus?
Desiderius Erasmus Roterodamus (1466-1536) was a theologian and philosopher, regarded as one of the great humanists of the Renaissance. His extensive and eclectic work covers many topics, such as pedagogy, moral, religious and political philosophy, rhetoric, as well as translation. Erasmus led a life of roaming, journeying throughout Europe to expand his knowledge of Greco-Roman intellectual heritage, but also to teach. ‘One is not born, but rather becomes, a man’, he said, ‘through education and culture.’ In 1508, Erasmus published The Praise of Folly, a satirical work that stands as a testament to his great independence of mind. A committed philanthropist, he defended the values of tolerance and peace through to the end of his days.
The Erasmus building and its role at the Court
By naming the building after Erasmus, the Court of Justice of the European Union honours the man who was, at times, seen as the “first European”. The Court pays tribute to Erasmus’ legacy as a unifying figure who, through travel and translation, brought cultures together around humanist ideals.
The Erasmus building was the first expansion of the Palais. Like the Thomas More and Themis buildings, it was designed by the Luxembourg architects Paul Fritsch, Jean Herr and Gilbert Huyberechts, along with the Italian architect Bohdan Paczowski. The Erasmus building was completed in 1988, in preparation for the establishment of the General Court in 1989.
Originally, the Erasmus building stood apart from the Palais and was connected to it only by a 50 metre-long tunnel dug through the rock. However, after a complete renovation between 2009 and 2013, it is now linked to the Palais via the Gallery and its grand staircase.
Clad in pink granite that perfectly complements the bronze tones of the Palais, the Erasmus building features large spaces criss-crossed by interior courtyards, connected by bridges and walkways made of steel and glass.
Today, the Erasmus building is home to the Judges of the General Court and their chambers. It also houses three courtrooms, used for public hearings before the General Court:
- the Dalsgaard Courtroom, named after the Danish artist
- the Pessoa Courtroom, named after the Portuguese poet
- the Red Courtroom, added in 2022
