The Story of Tribeca

Escaping the digital grind

Hello, I’m Gilles—a business consultant, husband, father of two wonderful daughters, and a passionate Lego enthusiast. My brother and I believe that in a world dominated by digital distractions and an endlessly busy schedule, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find time for meaningful play and creation. As working parents, we often find ourselves in a rat race that leaves little room for genuine engagement and creativity.

Why our busy lives threaten real play and innovation
Many studies have shown that play and creativity are important for the development and well-being of both children and adults. A study by LEGO reveals that play strengthens family bonds and fosters a sense of community, yet it is threatened by our digitally saturated lifestyles. Adults in all work sectors also struggle with a lack of creativity. People often fail to find the time and space to recharge and engage in meaningful activities.

From family frustration to a creative breakthrough
My journey toward creating Tribeca began when I realized that both my daughters and I were missing the joy of unstructured play and creative exploration. The thought that we might be raising an anxious generation, glued to screens and missing out on real interactions, struck a deep chord. At the same time, I felt a strong desire to break away from traditional work environments and to foster authentic collaboration and innovation.
LEGO is the perfect glue connecting these two worlds.

Who is Tribeca made for?
With Tribeca, we want to create a unique ecosystem in Ghent where play, creativity, and professional development come together in an inspiring space. Featuring a creative Atelier and an inviting Salon, Tribeca offers a place for anyone seeking an escape from the daily grind. Here, you can gain new insights and immerse yourself in a world full of imagination and discovery.

• For Families and Children: Tribeca offers a variety of play options that go beyond digital interaction. We encourage physical play, which is essential for cognitive and social development. Our space is designed to be inclusive so children can play and interact in a safe and stimulating environment. “Lego Masters” are on hand to guide building activities.

• For AFOLs and Lego Enthusiasts: The Atelier—boasting no fewer than 3 million LEGO bricks—is equipped with modern facilities for building and showcasing impressive LEGO creations. It’s the perfect place to host events that combine a passion for LEGO with opportunities to meet like-minded adults and join an inspiring creative community.

• For Professionals: Tribeca’s Salon perfectly meets the need for an inspiring workplace. With co-working facilities that go beyond the standard office environment, the Salon provides a calm and productive atmosphere during office hours when adults are present. Tribeca’s creative elements stimulate innovation and collaboration—brainstorm, take part in LEGO workshops, network with like-minded individuals, or rent the space privately for meetings or events. The possibilities in this dynamic environment are endless.

An ideal space that adapts to its visitors
From our own experience, we know that successful retail businesses always give their customers that little something extra. We want to excel in this by approaching everything from the customer’s perspective. How can we ensure that a visit to Tribeca becomes an unforgettable experience? From the warm welcome to the layout of the play areas and workspaces—every detail is carefully tailored to boost creativity, productivity, and well-being.

Join Tribeca
Tribeca is more than just an atelier. It’s a platform that redefines working, playing, and living.

Whether you’re a parent who wants to give your children a richer play experience, an AFOL seeking like-minded enthusiasts, or a professional tired of the conventional workplace—Tribeca offers something special.

We’re kicking things off with a crowdfunding campaign, so you can become a fundamental part of this new initiative.

Buy a Lego minifigure for our Wall of Fame, or opt for a membership with exclusive benefits and discounts. Your support will help bring this dream to life.

Join us and help create a place where creativity knows no bounds, where play and work flow seamlessly into one another, and where every visit brings joy.

Welcome to Tribeca, where we play, create, and inspire—together.