Brussels Palace of Justice sheds scaffolding on central facade, full front expected clear by summer
The central section of the Brussels Palace of Justice's front facade has been fully restored and its scaffolding removed, the Buildings Agency announced on Wednesday. Work on the left wing continues, with the entire front expected to be clear by summer 2026.
The monumental Brussels Palace of Justice on Place Poelaert has reached a visible milestone in its long-running restoration. The Buildings Agency (Régie des Bâtiments / Regie der Gebouwen) confirmed on Wednesday that the central portion of the front facade is now fully renovated and stripped of its metal scaffolding.
A phased restoration
The facade work is the first of four planned restoration phases. It covers the front facade, the esplanade, and the peristyle (colonnade), and began in August 2023. The programme includes cleaning, inspecting, and repairing the natural stone, plus refurbishing the wooden joinery. To preserve the building's original appearance, stone from the original quarries is being used.
The central part of the front facade of the Brussels Palace of Justice, located on Place Poelaert, is now fully renovated and has been freed of its scaffolding.
Progress by section
The right-hand section of the front facade was completed in May 2025. The central section has now followed. Attention has turned to the left wing, where an elevating platform for people with reduced mobility will be installed. The redevelopment of the cour d'honneur is also still underway.
- Phase one begins: front facade, esplanade, and colonnade restoration starts.
- Right section of front facade completed and scaffolding removed.
- Central section of front facade completed and scaffolding removed.
- Expected completion of phase one; main entrance reopens.
- Phase two work on dome base facades scheduled to begin.
- Projected completion of all facade restorations.
What comes next
The first phase is expected to conclude in the summer of 2026, at which point the main entrance to the Palace of Justice will reopen. The public tender for the second phase, covering the facades of the dome's base, is currently being drafted and will be published later this year. Work on phase two is scheduled to begin in early 2027.
The long view
The full restoration of all facades is projected to be complete by 2035. When the scaffolding on the left wing comes down this summer, it will mark the first time in years that the entire front of one of Brussels' most recognisable buildings is visible without obstruction.
