A clear vision for the renovation of the Koninklijk Conservatorium Brussel

On the 2^nd of February 2026, a press conference took place concerning the long-awaited renovation of the Royal Conservatoires of Brussels. The objective is to preserve the valuable heritage of the Brussels conservatoire while modernising this monumental building, with particular attention to sustainability.

Next phase of the renovation works

Following the remediation of the buildings and the removal of asbestos, the construction works can now begin. The historic buildings designed by architect Jean-Pierre Cluysenaar, including the Concert Hall, teaching rooms and surrounding structures, will be given a new lease of life. The next phase of the works started on the 2^nd of February 2026 and was officially launched with a press conference. Several ministers, the contracting authority Beliris, the contractor Monument Vandekerckhove and the non-profit organisation Conservamus were present to kick off the project before an enthusiastic audience of invited guests.

The Press Conference

On the 2^nd of February 2026, the press conference took place in the Concert Hall of the conservatoire building. Guests were able to enjoy the beauty of this monumental hall, with its balconies and red velvet curtains. Only the organ by Aristide Cavaillé-Coll, the greatest organ builder of all time, was missing: it has been dismantled for the works and is being stored by Conservamus pending its restoration.

The press conference opened with speeches by Ministers Bernard Quintin, Vanessa Matz, Cieltje Van Achter and Elisabeth Degryse, who each highlighted the importance of preserving heritage and strengthening cultural and arts education in Brussels. They then drew back the red curtain to unveil the official construction sign of the renovation project, to the applause and the music of students from the Royal Conservatoires of Brussels.

Next, Thibault Hermans, Project Manager at Beliris, and the design offices Origin-A2RC-FVWW Architects took the floor to present the project and share images of the future conservatoire building.

Preservation and Modernisation

The objective of the renovation works is clear: to preserve the valuable heritage of the Brussels conservatoire while modernising this monumental building, with particular attention to sustainability.

Cluysenaar’s architectural work will be restored to its former glory, and the building will also comply with current safety standards. As Minister Cieltje Van Achter stated during the press conference, the quality of our education depends on the quality of our infrastructure. To provide adequate facilities for the growing number of students, an extension next to the historic buildings is essential. The new building will be constructed behind the Cluysenaar building, on the site of the former library building.

In addition to the renovation, the Royal Conservatoires of Brussels will gain a prestigious music library, new high-performance rooms for masterclasses, and two new concert halls!

Sustainability

To enhance biodiversity on site and allow rainwater infiltration, six gardens will be created in the non-built areas. Students, professors and potential visitors will be able to enjoy the calm and light of these green spaces.

Moreover, the new building will feature a rooftop terrace and a green roof with flower beds and photovoltaic panels. The green roofs will, among other things, maximise rainwater infiltration. This rainwater will be collected in two storage tanks and reused for toilets, plants, the fountain in the main courtyard and the maintenance of the facilities.

Time to Celebrate

To celebrate the start of the works, the Conservamus Symphony Orchestra will perform at Bozar on the 20^th of February. The Conservamus Symphony Orchestra was created by the non-profit organisation Conservamus to build an inspiring bridge between the Koninklijk Conservatorium Brussel and the Conservatoire royal de Bruxelles. This ambitious musical adventure brings together young top talents from both institutions on stage. After two successful editions, the orchestra will shine this year under the inspiring direction of internationally renowned conductor Nicolás Pasquet (Uruguay).

The programme includes Richard Strauss’s monumental Eine Alpensinfonie, a breathtaking symphonic journey through the Alps filled with grandeur, drama and evocative natural imagery, as well as Maurice Ravel’s enchanting Daphnis et Chloé Suite No. 2, a masterpiece sparkling with colour, lyricism and French elegance.

Nicolás Pasquet, affiliated since 2024 with the Escuela Superior de Música Reina Sofía in Madrid and the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, leads the orchestra with his characteristic combination of precision, passion and poetic musicality.

The Conservamus Symphony Orchestra promises an evening full of energy, refinement and pure orchestral power.

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