Brussels, Belgium – After two and a half years of meticulous restoration work, the iconic Hôtel Solvay, a prime example of Art Nouveau architecture in Brussels, was officially inaugurated on Wednesday morning.
This significant restoration project has revitalized one of the capital’s most treasured UNESCO heritage sites, originally designed by the renowned Belgian architect Victor Horta.
A Heritage Gem Reborn
Built between 1894 and 1900, Hôtel Solvay stands as one of Horta’s most celebrated masterpieces.
The building, which reflects the pinnacle of the Art Nouveau movement, was constructed with an almost unlimited budget and in close collaboration with its original owner, the wealthy industrialist and patron of the arts, Armand Solvay.
Over the years, the building has remained remarkably well-preserved, making it a vital part of Brussels’ architectural identity.
Ans Persoons, the outgoing Brussels State Secretary for Urban Planning and Heritage, emphasized the significance of the restoration, stating, “The Hôtel Solvay once again shines as one of the symbols of the Art Nouveau heritage that has put Brussels on the international map as the ‘World Capital of Art Nouveau.’”
Persoons highlighted the collaborative efforts between Victor Horta as the designer and the Wittamer family, the current owners who have maintained the building since it opened to the public in 2021. Since then, Hôtel Solvay has welcomed nearly 100,000 visitors, affirming its role as a cultural beacon.
The Journey of Restoration
The restoration journey began in earnest in 2019 when owner Alexandre Wittamer discovered severe corrosion in the lower part of the loggia above the entrance door.
By 2021, it was evident that numerous parts of the façade had shifted nearly 7 centimeters, necessitating a comprehensive assessment of the damage.
A detailed visual inspection was conducted in collaboration with the Cultural Heritage Service of the Brussels Region, leading to a thorough study on the stability of the metal structure supporting the façade.
Restoration work officially commenced in March 2022, aiming to address both aesthetic and structural issues.
Over the course of the project, which spanned until the summer of 2024, craftsmen meticulously cleaned and restored the natural stone of the building, reinforced the metal and wrought iron structures, and rejuvenated the wooden exterior joinery.
Significant renovations included renewing the lead cladding on the balconies, adjusting the rainwater drainage systems, restoring stained glass windows, and repainting the metal and wooden joinery.
Alexandre Wittamer remarked on the importance of this restoration, stating, “65 years after the Hôtel Solvay was saved from ruin by my grandparents, it has recently undergone the most extensive restoration since then and has, in a sense, been saved for the second time.
This restoration was necessary because real structural problems threatened to damage the building forever.” Looking forward, Wittamer noted that next year would mark 25 years since Hôtel Solvay was added to the UNESCO list, expressing hope that the building would continue to captivate visitors with Horta’s architectural genius.
A Historic Opening
On the day of the inauguration, the restored façade gleamed under the Brussels sun, representing a triumph of heritage conservation. “A huge success and a testament to the appeal of our heritage.
Today, after more than two years of restoration works, the façade shines as before,” Persoons commented during the reopening ceremony. She also highlighted the Hôtel Solvay’s role in enhancing the appeal of Brussels as a tourist destination, underscoring the city’s rich architectural heritage.
The event attracted attention from local officials, cultural enthusiasts, and members of the public eager to witness the revival of this architectural gem.
City of Brussels Mayor Philippe Close praised the restoration, stating, “The restoration of the façade of the Hôtel Solvay is a great achievement for the City of Brussels.
By protecting and upgrading such emblematic buildings, we strengthen the appeal of our city and its international reputation.” He underscored that investing in heritage projects symbolizes a vision for a city that respects its history while embracing modernization.
Ongoing Support for Heritage
The Brussels-Capital Region has been a crucial supporter of the restoration efforts at Hôtel Solvay. Financial assistance for restoration and maintenance has been provided over the years, with a notable subsidy of €100,000 awarded in 2016 for the repair of the heating system.
The recent façade and roof restoration, completed in 2024, was financed 80% by the Brussels Regional Government due to the building’s status as a public museum. The total costs for the restoration, including preliminary studies, amounted to €1,537,724.
Over the past eight years, the Brussels-Capital Region has contributed more than €1.5 million in grants for the preservation of the Hôtel Solvay.
Sarah Lagrillière, Deputy Director General of urban.brussels, stated, “This restoration is part of one of urban.brussels’ main missions: to protect yesterday’s heritage and build tomorrow’s city.”
This commitment to heritage preservation aligns with broader efforts to foster cultural tourism and reinforce Brussels’ status as a center of architectural excellence.
A Cultural Destination
Since reopening its interior to the public in January 2021, the Hôtel Solvay has functioned as a prime cultural venue, showcasing its historical significance while attracting art and architecture enthusiasts from around the globe.
As one of the key stops on Brussels’ Art Nouveau route, the Hôtel Solvay has become an essential destination that reflects the artistic and cultural narratives of the city.
Visitors can explore the stunning interiors designed by Horta, which include intricate details that embody the essence of Art Nouveau aesthetics.
The success of the Hôtel Solvay as a tourist attraction illustrates the growing interest in Brussels’ architectural heritage, with nearly 100,000 visitors recorded in just over three years.
Future Prospects
As the Hôtel Solvay prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary on the UNESCO list, the focus shifts to the future.
The successful restoration not only preserves a critical piece of Brussels’ history but also reaffirms the importance of maintaining such landmarks for future generations.
The building stands as a testament to the dedication of its owners, the government, and cultural advocates committed to celebrating and preserving Brussels’ rich architectural heritage.
Alexandre Wittamer concluded with optimism, stating, “I hope it will continue to amaze its visitors with the genius of the extraordinary architect Victor Horta for many years to come.”
As Hôtel Solvay once again takes its rightful place in the heart of Brussels, it will undoubtedly remain a cherished symbol of the city’s cultural landscape, inspiring awe and admiration in all who visit.
Conclusion
The successful restoration of Hôtel Solvay marks a significant milestone in preserving Brussels’ architectural legacy. The collaborative efforts of various stakeholders and the commitment to heritage conservation serve as a model for similar projects worldwide.
As visitors flock to admire the revived beauty of this Art Nouveau masterpiece, Hôtel Solvay reaffirms its status as a vital piece of Brussels’ cultural identity, blending history with modernity for generations to come.