Facade and roof of iconic Hotel Solvay fully restored after two years of renovation

The iconic facade and roof of the renowned art nouveau building, Hotel Solvay in Brussels, have been fully restored, and the scaffolding has come down after two years of renovation. Brussels state secretary for heritage, Ans Persoons (Vooruit.brussels), shared the news during a press tour on Wednesday, celebrating the restoration of this piece of Brussels' urban heritage.

Designed by famed architect Victor Horta, Hotel Solvay is one of his most remarkable works. Construction began in 1894 at the request of Armand Solvay, the son of chemist-industrialist Ernest Solvay, and featured bold materials and innovative design. In 1957, the Solvay family sold the house to the Wittamer family, who intended to use it as a fashion house.

Recognised for its historical and architectural significance, UNESCO classified the building as a World Heritage Site in 2000. Over the years, it also served as a meeting place for prominent figures and intellectuals in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

In 2019, Alexandre Wittamer, a descendant of the family that purchased the property, discovered the facade was in a poor state. The loggia above the entrance was severely corroded, and the facade had shifted by at least seven centimeters over its 115-year history.

Determined to restore the building to its former glory, the owner, along with the urban development department, urban.brussels, initiated restoration efforts. Led by architectural firm Barbara Van der Wee, the project began in March 2022 and was completed in the summer of 2024. Despite the extensive work, the building—now also a museum since 2021—remained open to the public throughout. The renovation, funded largely by the Brussels Capital Region, cost 1.5 million euros.

During the restoration, natural stone was cleaned and repaired, structural reinforcements were made to the building and metal and wrought ironwork were restored. Additionally, the wooden exterior joinery and stained glass windows were meticulously rejuvenated.

"Today, the Hotel Solvay shines again," said Persoons. "It has become a key attraction for Brussels as a tourist destination once more." She noted that since opening as a museum, the hotel has attracted 100,000 visitors, calling it "a huge success and proof of the appeal of our heritage."

Brussels Mayor Philippe Close (PS) echoed these sentiments: "This is a great achievement for the city of Brussels. Investing in heritage is investing in our city. These projects symbolise our vision of a city that modernises while respecting its history."

^{​The inauguration of the restored roof and facade of the Hotel Solvay house, by architect Victor Horta ​
​© BELGA PHOTO STEPHANIE LINSINGH}