Overview

On Saturday 20 September 2025, take a unique tour of the restoration site of the front façade of the Palace of Justice of Brussels on the Poelaert Square! The Palace of Justice, a listed building, was inaugurated in 1883 and is a landmark of the Brussels skyline. The Buildings Agency began the restoration work in August 2023, in collaboration with Perspectiv architecten and the contractor Artes Woudenberg - Artes Roegiers. Restoring the immense front façade is a truly titanic task. Every stone and every decorative element is carefully cleaned and repaired or replaced where necessary. To preserve the original appearance, stones from the original quarries in the Burgundy region of France are being used for the restoration. The exterior woodwork of the front façade, the beautiful colonnade (peristyle) and the court of honour are also being restored. During the tour of the site, you will follow a marked route at your own pace, allowing you to discover the progress of the restoration work up close. You will also be able to take a look at the impressive central hall of the Palace of Justice (the “Salle des Pas Perdus”). Information boards at various points will tell you everything you need to know about the work. Don’t miss out on this unique experience and register quickly, as places are limited! The tour starts at the entrance to the construction site on the Poelaert Square. As the tour also involves walking on scaffolding, it is important to observe the following safety guidelines:

• The tour via the scaffolding is not recommended for people who are afraid of heights.
• As this is a construction site, a good physical condition is recommended. There are many steps along the route (to access the scaffolding, in the peristyle, etc.).
• Avoid loose clothing, as it could get caught on the scaffolding.
• Wear sturdy, closed shoes. Flip-flops, sandals, high-heeled shoes, etc. are not permitted on the construction site for safety reasons.
• For safety reasons, the construction site with scaffolding is not accessible to children under the age of 12.
• Large bags and backpacks are not permitted. There is no cloakroom available.
• In case of rain, the scaffolding will be closed and a different route will be followed on the construction site.
• The route along the scaffolding is not accessible with buggies, wheelchairs, etc.

A safety helmet and a fluorescent vest are provided for each participant and must be returned after use. An alternative route on the site is provided for people who do not wish to walk on the scaffolding.

Practical information

Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00

Palais de Justice - Place poelaert 1 - 1000 Bruxelles

Booking required via : https://artesgroup.be/en/open-monumentendag. Maximum 50 people per visit.

Address
Palais de Justice - Place poelaert 1 - 1000 Bruxelles