The restoration works on the Justice Palace in Brussels will finally commence after the summer of 2023. This comes after more than 40 years since the scaffolding was erected.
Since the beginning of his legislative term, State Secretary Mathieu Michel, who is responsible for the Buildings Agency, has made it his goal to completely liberate the Palace of Justice from its metal confinement by 2030. This milestone will coincide with Belgium’s celebration of its 200th anniversary as an independent nation.
The Palace of Justice is an emblematic building of our capital and of our country. It is a symbol of Justice and therefore of democracy.
Mathieu Michel, State Secretary
The Palace is a significant landmark of the Brussels skyline and holds the distinction of being the largest courthouse in the world. For an entire generation of Belgians, however, it has only been known as a prisoner of its “steel cage” of scaffolding, which has been there since the mid-1980s. As a preventive measure to contain any potential loose stones, new scaffolding was installed around the main facade of the Palace of Justice in the early 2000s. Despite this, the main entrance to the building continued to function.
The initial stage of the renovation process will involve the complete restoration of the facade on the side of Place Poelaert in 2024. At that point, the public will be able to witness the fully restored facade in all its glory, without the obstruction of scaffolding.
The rebirth of the Brussels Palais de Justice should be a strong signal that we respect and value our heritage and our history.
Mathieu Michel, State Secretary
The first stage of the restoration project started in March 2021 with the reinforcement of scaffolding on the main facade to facilitate the restoration study and actual restoration work on the facade.
The Buildings Agency published the specifications for the restoration of the facade on the side of Place Poelaert. The agency is currently seeking an environmental permit from the relevant authorities.
