Middelkerke (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – More than 300 Middelkerke casino roof tiles were auctioned, with 200 sold so far. Tiles signed by Herr Seele (€2,200), Panamarenko (€3,400), and featuring Jan Decleir (€400) were highlights. Proceeds support a MUG helicopter.
As VRT News reported, more than 300 roof tiles from the old Middelkerke casino, in the province of West Flanders, Belgium, were sold at an auction today, Dec 27, 2025. The casino was built in a modern Norman style and had a large, tiled roof.
Around 200 people attended the auction in person, while most bids were placed from home. Officials mentioned that the tiles are no longer just building materials. They are now considered collectable items because of their history and design.
What made over 300 Middelkerke casino tiles sell for thousands at auction?
The auction opened with a tile signed by cartoonist Herr Seele, which sold for €2,200. Another tile made by Antwerp artist Panamarenko reached €3,400. Collectors see each tile as a fragment of history and a piece of the old casino.
About 200 tiles from the old Middelkerke casino have already been sold, and the auction is continuing. Many of the tiles feature well-known Belgian personalities, which makes them highly sought after.
Tiles showing singers Margriet Hermans and Salvatore Adamo and radio presenter Lutgart Simons sold for €300 each. A tile featuring actor Jan Decleir reached €400. In contrast, a tile depicting former minister Maggie De Block attracted less interest and sold for only €40.
Although the auction is officially advertised as a sale of old roofing tiles, the local authorities also announced that the money raised will help fund an Air Ambulance (MUG) service and medical emergency services. The sale is aimed at people attracted to the arts and history of the tiles, and also as a way of donating to a worthwhile charity.
The building known as the Middelkerke Casino was built in 1930 and has a modern Norman design with a large tiled roof that was the location of many concerts, shows and social events over the years. Later, the building, including the roof, was destroyed and ended up being demolished, and the roof was removed.
