February 2026
Press Conference
concerthall
The restoration of the Brussels Conservatory begins
2 February 2026
The contracting authority Beliris, the public construction expert for Brussels, together with the contractor Monument Vandekerckhove, will carefully carry out the restoration of the historic buildings designed by architect Cluysenaar, including the concert hall and classrooms, as well as the townhouses on Rue aux Laines. The library building, which was added to the Conservatory at a later stage, will be demolished to make way for a new structure comprising classrooms with high acoustic performance, a rehearsal room, and a chamber music hall.
SA Conservatoire, the owner of the complex and composed of representatives of the federal state and the Flemish and French Communities, welcomes this significant step forward.
This phase of the works is expected to be completed in autumn 2029, at a cost of €74.5 million. Subsequent phases are expected to be commissioned at a later date, subject to the securing of additional funding. These phases will notably include the restoration of the Director’s House and the Secretary’s House, located at Petit Sablon, the completion of the buildings on Rue aux Laines, and the landscaping of the inner courtyard gardens.
Through this ambitious project, the design teams Origin–A2RC–FVWW have succeeded in creating a harmonious balance between the restoration of Belgian heritage, the modernization of infrastructure, and the creation of an extension with spaces adapted to the many activities of the Koninklijk Conservatorium Brussel (KCB) and the Conservatoire royal de Bruxelles (CRB), as well as a prestigious music library and three concert halls.
Last year, a series of preparatory interventions were already carried out, including remediation and asbestos removal works. Construction activities are now beginning, starting with demolition and structural works.
The project was designed with particular attention to sustainability. It includes, among other features, green roofs, two rainwater collection tanks, and a heat pump. The building will also be equipped with an optimized ventilation system and energy class A appliances. Users were consulted in order to encourage the sustainable, long-term use of the building.
The project is funded equally by the three shareholders: the Buildings Agency, the Flemish Community, and the French Community, with the support of Beliris and the Buildings Agency. Bringing this project to fruition means respecting our history and offering Brussels a level of prominence befitting its status as the Belgian and European capital.
Quotes
Bernard Quintin, Federal Minister in charge of Beliris
“Thanks to Beliris’ recognized expertise in enhancing Brussels’ heritage, we are restoring the Conservatory to its full splendour while firmly anchoring it in modernity. Music lovers, students and their teachers, Brussels residents in general and friends of the Conservatory in particular have waited far too long for an agreement between the Federal State and the Communities. The works are finally underway, both for the concert hall and the surrounding buildings. Bringing this project to completion means respecting our history and offering Brussels a level of prominence worthy of its status as the Belgian and European capital.”
Vanessa Matz, Federal Minister responsible for the Buildings Agency
“The Brussels Conservatory occupies an emblematic building in the heart of the capital, a symbol of its prestige and international reputation. This is why I am delighted to see this long-awaited renovation project finally take shape. In a few years’ time, the building will regain its original brilliance while offering students and teachers who use it every day a significantly improved working environment and level of comfort. I would like to extend my particular thanks to the Buildings Agency, which is working closely with the various parties involved in this major project.”
Cieltje Van Achter, Flemish Minister for Brussels
“With the restoration of the Conservatory, Brussels regains a cultural landmark with international reach. The renovation of the infrastructure secures the future of our outstanding musical education and gives it renewed prestige. As a Brussels resident and a music enthusiast, I am delighted that the works are finally beginning. The Conservatory will thus not only recover its historic grandeur, but will once again become a vibrant driving force in the cultural life of our capital.”
Elisabeth Degryse, Minister-President of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation
“Finally, this essential renovation project is getting underway. The preparatory works are now behind us, and we are entering the heart of the process. After a very long preparatory phase, it is time for action, for renovation and for the preservation of our architectural heritage. The buildings will be equipped with high-quality facilities, particularly in terms of acoustics, while the 19th-century organ will also be restored. Promoting culture at both national and international level required a renovation of this scale, and for all these reasons we at the Wallonia-Brussels Federation are pleased to see this project moving forward.”