The Van Buuren Museum & Gardens in the leafy Brussels suburb of Ukkel are undergoing major renovation work in 2025 and following years. The start of the renovation drive coincides with the centenary of the birth of the Art Deco movement in the Belgian and Flemish capital. The home of David and Alice Van Buuren opened to the general public exactly 50 years ago.
The house, completed in 1928, is a well-known Art Deco gem in Ukkel, one of the 19 boroughs of the Brussels Capital Region. The former home of art patrons Van Buuren provides a home to numerous unique and rare pieces of furniture, carpets, stained-glass windows, sculptures as well as paintings by international masters.
The house is now being renovated in order to preserve its unique heritage. The restoration plans drawn up by specialist Barbara Van der Wee should prepare the house for the future. The work will be spread over several years.
The implementation of the plan will also see the restoration of the house’s contents, furniture as well as decorative elements in the house including textiles, woodwork, the varnish and stained-glass windows. Furthermore, the plan also envisages a strengthening and modernization of the infrastructure including an upgrade of the technical installations. Works of art in the house will also be restored.
Museum remains open during works
Under the renovation plan several new facilities will also be realised to allow the museum to carry out its cultural and educational mission. A special space will be provided to accommodate school groups and organise educational activities, as well as a special storage room for paintings and the archives to ensure optimal conservation. A library and research space for art deco specialists are also planned.
The museum will remain open during the work and organise restoration workshops that will be open to the public whenever possible.