The renovation of the conservatory is the result of a long-term commitment carried by the asbl Conservamus.
Full renovation
to begin
The preparatory phase transitions into the main renovation and restoration works. These will transform the historic complex into a revitalized home for music education, performance and heritage — with new spaces for rehearsals, concert halls, library facilities, accessibility and sustainability. The overall project is planned as a multi-year effort with a future opening concert envisioned around 2030.
Conservamus is founded
Conservamus is founded as a non-profit association by a group of lawyers, engineers, financial professionals and music lovers, united by a shared conviction: the Conservatories deserved more than slow decline.
From the outset, the association takes on an active role — mobilising expertise, engaging institutions, and laying the groundwork for what would become a long-term renovation project. Advocacy, strategic reflection and political dialogue become central to its mission.
Building public attention
& initial fabric repairs
Over this period, Conservamus organizes awareness campaigns and begins supporting small-scale, targeted conservation work to stabilize parts of the building.
In 2017, a decisive step is taken: with architect Olivier Courtens, the association secures authorisations for initial restoration works. The first interventions focus on the building’s most fragile elements — notably historic windows and woodwork — marking the transition from intention to concrete action.
Public momentum
& structural planning
After more than a decade of sustained advocacy, political and institutional momentum converges.
A joint entity — NV Conservatorium — is created, bringing together the Federal State, the Flemish Community, the French Community and Beliris. A consortium of architects (Origin, A2RC and FVWW) is appointed to design the renovation.
For the first time, the project enters a fully operational phase.
Official permits & planning approval
At the end of 2023, the official permit for major renovation works is approved, allowing preparatory and asbestos removal work to commence.
Asbestos removal
& preparatory
phase underway
By autumn, the buildings’ asbestos removal and related preparatory works are in full progress, executed in controlled conditions to limit environmental and neighbourhood impact.
Early stage
As initiated by Jean-Pierre de Bandt, the first contacts were taken with public authorities in order to understand why the site of the Royal Conservatoire of Brussels was left without any maintenance.
Originally built between 1872 and 1876 by architect Jean-Pierre Cluysenaar, the complex was showing increasing signs of deterioration, raising growing concern among those who studied, taught and worked within its walls.
Early advocacy and sensitisation
Conservamus intensifies efforts to build awareness of the urgent need for renovation, engaging with political actors, cultural institutions and the wider public about the deteriorating condition of the Conservatory buildings. Conservamus drafts several legal proposals aiming to transfer the ownership of the complex to an entity that can be financed. The institution’s dire state has been noted by political commentators as early as this period.
Crowdfunding & community engagement
Conservamus launches crowdfunding initiatives to support urgent restoration, including the first campaigns to finance the restoration of valuable historic window frames.
Friends of Conservamus Fund established
Conservamus establishes a Friends of Conservamus Fund, managed by the King Baudouin Foundation, as a dedicated vehicle for philanthropic support toward the renovation and associated cultural programmes.
A musical countdown
In 2024, Conservamus launches a series of concerts under the title See You After the Break — a symbolic farewell before the closure of the concert hall.
The Conservamus Symphony Orchestra is formally established, bringing together students from both Royal Conservatories on stage for the very first time. These concerts mark a final year of music in the hall before renovation begins — a moment of transmission, celebration and anticipation.
Renovation in full motion
The main renovation works begin.
The project aims to transform the historic complex into a renewed centre for music education, performance and research — including upgraded rehearsal spaces, concert halls, library facilities, improved accessibility and sustainable infrastructure.
The renovation is conceived as a multi-year undertaking, with a reopening envisioned around 2030.
Throughout this process, both Conservatories remain closely involved in shaping the future of their shared home.
Conservamus continues its role
In 2026, Conservamus remains central to the project not only in fundraising but as a platform for dialogue and collaboration between the two conservatories, government partners, Beliris, sponsors and the wider arts community — ensuring that the renovation sustains artistic life and heritage in Brussels for decades to come.
Looking ahead, our mission remains clear:
to ensure that the renewed Conservatories remain a living place for learning, creation and transmission, serving future generations of musicians and the cultural life of Brussels.
