Just as progress was being celebrated on the exterior of the Brussels Palais de Justice, the monumental courthouse is now showing alarming signs of decay inside. A series of leaks, ceiling collapses, and flooding in recent weeks have raised concerns about the building’s safety and highlighted its urgent need for renovation.
Last year, part of the scaffolding was removed after sections of the façade were restored, a symbolic step in the long-delayed restoration of one of Belgium’s most iconic landmarks. But according to the Federal Justice Ministry, the building’s interior is now deteriorating rapidly, with multiple water-related incidents reported since July.
In late August, a courtroom ceiling partially collapsed after a roof drain became blocked during a heavy rain shower. The blockage, caused by debris including a dead pigeon and a discarded can, forced water to seep into the Court of Appeal. While no one was present at the time, the room has been closed indefinitely until repairs are completed.
Days later, on 29 August, further water damage was discovered on the ground floor after a toilet overflowed. According to the Justice Ministry, the toilet’s water reservoir had been left running while its drain was clogged with unused paper.
Water then spread into the registry office of the indictment chambers, forcing the evacuation of staff and records. Officials indicated that the circumstances suggested the incident may have been deliberate.
On 11 September, another leak caused damage to a courtroom wall and flooded a corridor on the lower ground floor. Inspectors discovered that the rainwater downpipe had become detached from the roof drain. Although the damage was limited, the incident added to growing concerns about the building’s fragile infrastructure.
The Justice Ministry emphasised that the safety of staff and visitors remains a priority, while the Buildings Agency has taken steps to carry out emergency repairs. Still, the repeated incidents underscore the vulnerability of the Palais de Justice, which has suffered decades of neglect.
“This monumental building has significant and symbolic value for the Belgian judicial system,” the Justice Ministry said in a statement, stressing that constant attention is required to maintain its condition.
The Federal Government’s coalition agreement includes plans for a thorough renovation aimed at improving safety and energy efficiency while preserving the building’s heritage. However, the project remains pending, leaving the Ministry and the Buildings Agency to address only the most urgent issues.
For many observers, the latest incidents reinforce the need for decisive action. The Palais de Justice, long a symbol of Belgian justice, now faces the risk of becoming a symbol of institutional delay and decay if its restoration is not accelerated.
Despite outward signs of progress, the reality inside the building paints a troubling picture—one of leaks, collapses, and a pressing reminder of the fragility of Belgium’s most iconic courthouse.
