Saint-Gilles reopens its architectural treasure Maison Pelgrims after two year renovation

An eclectically-styled 1905 mansion has been restored to its former splendour following a two-year renovation project by the municipality of Saint-Gilles, reports Belga.

Maison Pelgrims in Rue de Parme was originally built by Adolphe Pirenne for the Colson family in a Flemish neo-Renaissance style, undergoing a redesign by architect Fernand Petit at the request of Eugène Pelgrims in 1927. This included the addition of Art Nouveau and Art Deco stylistic features.

The property was acquired by Saint-Gilles in 1963 and has housed its Culture Department since the 2000s.

Launched in October 2023, the renovation project cost nearly €1m, which included a €372,568 contribution from regional funding. The building’s electrical system and fire safety system were updated and its ceilings, marble floors and oak staircase all restored. The dome and Art Deco stained-glass window of the winter garden were also refurbished.

“The renovation of this architectural gem required highly specialised techniques and expertise, as well as meticulous supervision, to ensure that its heritage character was preserved and enhanced,” underlined Loes Salomez (Groen), the alderwoman responsible for municipal properties.

"This project embodies our priorities for culture in Saint-Gilles: quality infrastructure, renovation and promoting our heritage," said mayor Jean Spinette (PS). "We are proud to make this exceptional heritage site accessible to the public, respecting its history while also opening it up to contemporary artistic expression," he added.

The restoration unearthed numerous unexpected treasures, revealed the mayor. “Craftsmen uncovered decorative friezes that had previously been hidden, doors concealed behind walls and several pieces of fitted furniture that had been forgotten. In a former utility room, a double sink, hidden for a quarter of a century, was discovered in perfect condition.”

All the new findings have been preserved and documented to further enrich our understanding of the history of domestic life and the ingenuity of the architects of that era, explained Spinette.

Brussels state secretary for urbanism and heritage Ans Persoons (Vooruit) described the property as an "urban revival" in line with recent renovations of the Pierre Paulus Park and the Parvis Saint-Gilles. “I really like the eclectic character of this building. Yes, from one room to another you step into a different style every time,” she noted.

The building has been a protected heritage site since 2021 and preserves, among other things, the monumental staircase with cherubs, a reception room with carved ceiling and a striking bay window. Its surrounding garden, once a private landscaped park, forms the adjacent Pierre Paulus Park.

Now equipped with a digital creation space, the house will once again host artists in residence, exhibitions and conferences. The reopening is accompanied by a festive programme: guided tours during the Heritage Days on 20 September, a meeting with Saskia Pelgrims de Bigard during the Days of the Matrimony on 27 September and a cabaret evening on 26 September.

Photos: ©Saint-Gilles Culture; interior ©BE Culture