The Conservatory
The building is of exceptional architectural and historical value. The Conservatory was built between 1872 and 1876 on the Rue de la Régence and the Petit Sablon and is a fine example of neoclassical and eclectic architecture. On the rue aux Laines side, it now encompasses what were once private mansions, some of which date back to the 17th century.
The Concert Hall is a pillar of musical life in the heart of the capital of Europe. Its acoustics are much appreciated by Belgian and international musicians and it houses a romantic Cavaillé-Coll organ of great artistic and heritage value.
The Conservatory still has a world-renowned library with more than one million scores and manuscripts.
The site is home to two institutions of excellence: the Koninklijk Conservatorium Brussel and the Conservatoire royal de Bruxelles. These colleges train around 1,300 students of more than 50 nationalities to become responsible, creative and enterprising musicians.
The restauration project
The Conservatory has been waiting for restoration and renovation for years. Works are now underway, opening up a bright future for the site.
Following an international architectural competition, the Origin-A2RC-FVWW consortium has been appointed to draw up plans to make the Conservatory the music campus of the future and a cultural hub that will strengthen the dynamics of the Mont des Arts and the Sablon district.
The works will begin in 2024 and will include structural work, with particular attention to the historical identity of the site, as imagined by Cluysenaar.
The Concert Hall will regain its restored Cavallié-Coll organ, its chromatic richness and, above all, will keep its acoustics. A new chamber music room and a rehearsal room will be built, capable of accommodating a symphony orchestra. The public will be welcome.
The project also provides for the reorganisation of the library, administrative functions, improved accessibility and interior circulation, the creation of dressing rooms for the musicians, the development of green spaces, etc. through an approach based on sustainability.