KBR inaugurates panoramic lift linking Mont des Arts to the national library’s rooftop terrace

A panoramic lift connecting the Mont des Arts quarter with the rooftop terrace of the Royal Library of Belgium (KBR) has been officially inaugurated.

The new installation enables people to access directly the terrace, where a restaurant is located, as well as improve movement around the library and museum.

It is part of a wider modernisation project aimed at improving the visitor experience as well as the accessibility of the building via a series of small new measures.

“Our institutions must function this way today: open, accessible to everyone, attentive to their audiences and capable of building new partnerships,” said Vanessa Matz, minister for government modernisation.

The design of the lift was developed with careful consideration of the building’s façade to preserve the perspective of the Mont des Arts historic district.

According to the museum, the lift is not only a technical intervention but also an architectural and cultural route. This concept is reinforced by the installation of a soundscape of voices, music and city sounds inside the lift, as well as an interactive installation on the rooftop itself.

The project was financed through a partnership between the Federal Public Service Mobility and Transport (Beliris), the Brussels-Capital Region, the Buildings Agency and KBR.

“Thanks to Beliris’ funding […], KBR opens itself even more to the city and strengthens accessibility in the heart of Mont des Arts,” said interior minister Bernard Quintin.

The subsidy for the project amounted to €1.06 million, covering the studies and construction works. Support was also forthcoming from Brussels city and region.

Photos: ©KBR