Following an extensive two-and-a-half-year restoration effort, the iconic Art Nouveau townhouse Hôtel Solvay unveiled its newly restored façade and roof on Wednesday morning. The project marked the official inauguration of the building’s revitalized exterior.

Designed by renowned Belgian architect Victor Horta and constructed between 1894 and 1900, Hôtel Solvay is one of Brussels’ most significant UNESCO heritage sites. The townhouse stands out as one of Horta’s finest achievements, benefiting from an almost limitless budget and a strong collaboration with its original client. It remains one of his best-preserved works.

Some say Hôtel Solvay once again shines as a symbol of the Art Nouveau heritage that has cemented Brussels’ reputation as “the’World Capital of Art Nouveau”, although some people would talk about Nancy, Paris or Barcelona as world capitals too.

Restoration of the façade, a great work after the restoration of the interior

Victor Horta, was the visionary behind the design, and the Wittamer family, the owners of the house, have preserved and maintained the building since its public opening in 2021. Since then, it has attracted nearly 100,000 visitors, a testament to the strong appeal of Brussels’ cultural heritage. “After more than two years of restoration, the façade shines once again, reinforcing Hôtel Solvay’s role in boosting the region’s appeal as a tourist destination,” she added.

In 2019, owner Alexandre Wittamer initiated the restoration of Hôtel Solvay’s street façade after discovering severe corrosion in the lower section of the loggia above the entrance. After 115 years, parts of the façade had shifted nearly 7 centimeters. To address this, a detailed visual inspection was conducted in collaboration with the Brussels Cultural Heritage Service, followed by a comprehensive study of the stability of the building’s metal framework.

The restoration work on Hôtel Solvay began in March 2022 and was completed in the summer of 2024. During this period, the building’s natural stone was cleaned and restored, the metal and wrought iron structures were reinforced, and the wooden exterior joinery was carefully refurbished. Additionally, the lead cladding on the balconies was replaced, rainwater drainage systems were adjusted, stained glass windows were restored, and both the metalwork and wooden elements were repainted. Despite the extensive work, Hôtel Solvay remained open to visitors throughout the process.

“Sixty-five years after my grandparents saved Hôtel Solvay from ruin, it has undergone the most comprehensive restoration since then, effectively saving it for a second time,” said owner Alexandre Wittamer. He highlighted the urgency of the restoration, noting that structural problems had posed a serious threat to the building. Wittamer also mentioned that Hôtel Solvay will mark its 25th anniversary on the UNESCO World Heritage list next year, expressing hope that it will continue to fascinate visitors with Victor Horta’s architectural brilliance for many years to come.

Since reopening to the public in January 2021, with visits by appointment, the interior of Hôtel Solvay has become a key attraction on Brussels’ Art Nouveau route, nearing 100,000 visitors in just over three years. It is now considered a must-see for tourists exploring the Belgian capital’s architectural heritage. The restoration of Hôtel Solvay’s façade is a remarkable achievement for the city. By preserving and enhancing such iconic buildings, Brussels is more appealing than ever.