Solid complexes of rare earth nitrates and picrates with a new hexapodal ligand, 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexa{[(2'-benzylamino-formyl)phenoxyl]methyl}-benzene (L) have been prepared. These complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR and molar conductivity. At the same time, the luminescence properties of the Eu(III) and Tb(III) nitrates and picrates complexes in solid state were also investigated. Under the excitation of UV light, these complexes exhibited characteristic emission of europium and terbium ions. The influence of the counter anion on the luminescent intensity was also discussed.