Brussels Heritage Days Attracts Record Attendance
The 37th edition of Brussels Heritage Days attracted 50,000 visitors last weekend, more than doubling last year’s turnout of 20,000. This year’s event, dedicated entirely to Art Deco, highlighted the architectural elegance of the early 20th century, reports 24brussels.
The program, titled “Art Deco: mad years, crisis years,” unfolded over the weekend of 20–21 September. Attendees explored 85 Art Deco buildings across the city, participated in 72 guided tours and 63 walks, and engaged in exhibitions, workshops, and lectures. A total of 217 activities were organized, with a distinct focus on 194 events dedicated specifically to Art Deco.
Newly opened or recently renovated sites welcomed visitors for the first time, including Wielemans House, the renovated Forest town hall, Les Pavillons français, and CEGE-SOMA in Anderlecht. Popular locations included BOZAR, the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg, and the gardens of the Museum Van Buuren, which attracted significant foot traffic.
Debuts that garnered attention included the Grandes Brasseries Atlas, which drew 826 visitors, the British International School of Brussels with 1,062 visitors, and Athénée Robert Catteau, which saw 867 visitors. Participants also had the rare opportunity to tour private homes not typically open to the public, such as the Glass House, Villa Vandervelde, and the Homem de Macedo House, along with several residences designed by architect Louis Tenaerts.
“Heritage Days has once again achieved its goal of making our heritage accessible to all,” stated Brussels State Secretary for Town Planning and Heritage Ans Persoons. “With its rich colours and geometric shapes, Art Deco conquered the hearts of Brussels residents and many visitors this year.”
The renovated Forest city hall, qualified as a prototype of Art Deco in Brussels. © BELGA PHOTO TIMON RAMBOER
