New roof terrace inaugurated at Bozar in Brussels

Bozar, the Centre for Fine Arts in Brussels, inaugurated its brand-new rooftop terrace on Tuesday, as imagined by the famous architect Victor Horta in his original plans for the institution. This new space, only accessible during specific events, offers a breath-taking view of the Royal Palace and the lower city of Brussels.

After two years of work, the Department for Building Management and Bozar have completed the restoration of the flat roofs of the museum on the side of Rue Ravenstein and Rue Baron Horta. Imagined by the architect Victor Horta in his original plans for the Palace of Fine Arts in 1928, his vision for the panoramic terrace had never been realised before. Now visitors, including those with disabilities, can access the roof and marvel at the capital stretching out before them.

The terrace, which extends over some 250m², offers a stunning view of the city, from the Royal Palace and the City Hall on the Grand Place to the Basilica of Koekelberg. The architects in charge of the work made sure to make it accessible to people with reduced mobility.

Two studios have also been set up in the Penthouse to accommodate artists in residence during their work on Bozar productions.

Present at the inauguration, the minister in charge of federal cultural institutions, Sophie Wilmès, highlighted "the remarkable work" that has been done. "Bozar is an important place of culture that contributes to the international influence of our capital,” she said. “It is a business card for art and history here in the capital, but also for Brussels and Belgium abroad," she said.

The restoration of the flat roofs and their transformation into a terrace were financed by the Department for Building Management to the tune of €2.35 million. "Projects like this have their place in the new world we are building," concluded Mathieu Michel, the Secretary of state responsible for building management.