A giant finally set free
It is a sight entire generations of Brussels residents had never seen: the front facade of the Palace of Justice, facing Poelaert square, shining once more, completely free of scaffolding. The unveiling ceremony on 27 August 2026, organised by the Belgian Buildings Agency (Regie der Gebouwen), drew crowds to the square to celebrate the end of a titanic project: 3 years of works and €31.7 million invested.
The story of Europe’s most famous scaffolding
Inaugurated in 1883, the Palace of Justice is the monumental masterpiece of architect Joseph Poelaert. But since the 1980s, its silhouette had become inseparable from its scaffolding. Erected as early as 1984 to secure and restore the stone, the structures became part of the landscape — many Brussels residents under 42 had literally never seen the main facade bare.
Three years of master craftsmanship
The restoration of the front facade, coordinated by the Buildings Agency, mobilised stonemasons, sculptors, gilders and conservators. Stone cleaning, restoration of the sculptures, woodwork and the crowning ornaments: every detail received goldsmith-level care.
The result is spectacular: in the light, the restored facade reveals a brightness and ornamental richness no one suspected anymore. “It’s too beautiful,” one passer-by summed it up for RTL Info — you had to be over 42 to remember the monument without scaffolding.
What’s next?
The front facade is only one stage: the Buildings Agency continues restoring the other faces of the monument. But as of today, Poelaert square once again offers one of the capital’s most beautiful viewpoints — a panorama returned to walkers, photographers and lovers of Brussels.
Editorial tip: come at sunset, when the golden stone glows above the Marolles. Magical — and finally without a single steel tube in front of your lens.
🔗 Sources & verifiable links
- L’Avenir — restored facade unveiled (27/08/2026)
- La Libre — facade freed from scaffolding
- RTL Info — “It’s too beautiful”
- Belgian Buildings Agency
— Ketje
