Three Belgian projects win European heritage award

Three Belgian projects have received the prestigious 2025 European Heritage Award/Europa Nostra Award, an initiative supported by the European Union that recognises outstanding achievements in the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage across Europe. The winners were selected by a professional jury of heritage experts.

In the 'conservations and adaptive reuse' category, the awards went to Antwerp City Hall and the Hotel Solvay in Brussels. Antwerp’s 16th century city hall has been in continuous use for over 450 years and underwent a comprehensive restoration between 2018 and 2022 to preserve its historic fabric while meeting modern standards. The jury praised the project, describing it as “an exemplary restoration combining structural conservation with energy efficiency”.

^{Hotel Solvay © BELGA PHOTO TIMON RAMBOER}

The Hotel Solvay, designed by Victor Horta, was restored to address major structural and waterproofing issues. The jury commended the project's public guided tours, which were offered during the renovation and helped to raise awareness of the craftsmanship and cultural value of architectural heritage.

In the 'research' category, the Heritage Trees Project (Erfgoedboomproject) was recognised for preserving the genetic and cultural legacy of monumental trees in Flanders by propagating their offspring. The jury described the project as an effective model for integrating heritage conservation, biodiversity and climate action through public engagement, education and practical conservation methods.

^{Antwerp City Hall © BELGA PHOTO WARD VANDAEL}