Last month saw the completion of works on Brussels' Mont des Arts fountain by the Buildings Agency. The works have been taking place since August 2024 and replaced all faulty components to give the iconic structure a facelift.
Despite the fountain expected to have been up and running by late 2024, it was delayed by a shortage of staff at the Buildings Agency. The fountain is now operational again, giving a cultural boost to the beauty of the urban park.
Early days
Constructed at the base of the grand stairs in the garden commissioned by René Pechère, the fountain uses grey stone with nine columns and is decorated with nautical sculptures and shells. The fountain was initially erected in 1954.
It was renovated most recently in 2017 for €473,500. The fountain worked sporadically for years until 2020 when it faced issues due to damage to its pumps and stopped functioning again. Works were due to restart in 2022, but began in 2024.
Credit: Inventory of Natural Heritage
The improvements
This round of renovations saw the basin emptied of water and cleaned, with damaged components repaired and replaced. The components consist of drains, tanks, pipes, jets, stones, fountains, and pumps.
Preventative measures were taken to avoid future blockages. A two-year maintenance contract to upkeep the new state of the fountain cost a total of €210,000 including VAT, and will cover regular interventions, winterisation, and annual recommissioning.
The fountain is expected to spout water 4.5 metres into the air, and will give a new lease of life to the scenic historical gardens.
