It’s a moment we thought would never happen: The scaffolding has been removed from the front of Brussels’ iconic Justice Palace, revealing the beautifully renovated facade. Scaffolding on other parts of the building will remain in place as renovations continue for the next 14 years.
It’s worthy of a parade and yet it was done without fanfare: Scaffolding was removed from the Justice Palace in Brussels this week, revealing the facade of the building for the first time in more than 40 years. The scaffolding was placed in the 1980s not because works were ready to get started on the 143-year old building but in order to stabilise the crumbling exterior.
“I’m glad that we can see this success,” said federal justice minister Annelies Verlinden (CD&V), “which offers hope and perspective for the future of this building and – by extension – for the justice department.”
Justice Palace without scaffolding
Aside from criticism from within the justice system regarding chronic underfunding, the minister is referring to the long and confused history of the renovations to the Justice Palace, one of the world’s largest courthouses. Anyone who has lived in Brussels for less than 40 years had never seen the building without its telltale scaffolding.
Renovations have since the 1980s gone along in fits and starts, mired in political red tape. The regional and federal governments could not agree on who should foot the bill, which at this point is more than €600 million in total for the exterior and interior. There was also ongoing discussions about whether all or part of the building should be repurposed, which would have a major impact on renovations to the dilapidated interior portions.
The complexity of the renovations to this heritage monument has also led to problems getting started – made worse as key renovations are continually delayed. In fact, when a new renovation plan was launched in 2021, the first urgent renovations to be carried out were on the scaffolding itself.
The Justice Palace
Designed by architect Joseph Poelaert and completed in 1883
Upon completion, it was the largest building in Europe and the largest courthouse in the world
At 26,000 square metres (not including parking), it is still one of the largest courthouses in the world
It is aligned on the same axis as the Royal Palace and federal parliament, a symbolic straight line connecting the three powers of the state: executive, legislative and judicial
While every decade has brought announcements and expectations for the building, including the completion of key works to the roof and full renovation of the magnificent dome, things really only started moving in the right direction a few years ago when it was decided that the federal government was responsible for funding, planning and monitoring the works.
Along with the front facade, the steps and exterior entryway have also been renovated. The fencing around the forecourt has been replaced – an exact replica of the original that was designed in 1883.
The second phase of the plan includes the renovations of the base of the dome (still covered in scaffolding). This is scheduled to complete in 2030. Following that will be renovations to the other exterior facades of the building so that the entire exterior is complete by 2035.
The public should access the justice system in a building where the appearance reflects the dignity of this system
Justice minister Annelies Verlinden
Only then will improvements the interior will be tackled. The walls, floors, ceilings and outstanding architectural elements have been severely damaged over the decades because of moisture and leakage. Parts of ceilings have collapsed over the years, and chunks of plaster and stone have fallen to the ground. The building is also home to birds, rats and mice.
“It is my firm ambition that everyone who works in the justice system can do so in a modern, comfortable environment,” said Verlinden. “Equally, members of the public should be able to access the justice system in a building where the appearance reflects the dignity of this system.”
Works to the interior of the building will follow complete of exterior renovations. The entire project is meant to finish by 2040.