On 9 April, the iconic Palais de Justice building – which houses the law courts of Brussels – will open once more to visitors for guided tours.
In the past, visiting the Palais de Justice was only possible for a limited number of people in groups of 20 who signed up together. Then, all visits were suspended for the past two years as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
But from Saturday 9 April 2022, the general public is invited to “discover the history and exceptional rooms of the Law Courts, accompanied by guide associations Arkadia and Korei.”
The Palais de Justice is one of the largest courthouses in the world and one of the most photographed buildings in Brussels, even with its seemingly-permanent scaffolding.
Its massive dome weighs 24,000 tons and is 142 metres high. The total net surface is approximately 80,000 square metres and the reception area alone (the Salle des Pas Perdus) is approximately 3,600 square metres with a compass rose featuring sixteen ray marks in its centre.
Related News
- Hidden Belgium: The best bar in the world
- Tourism in Flanders recovered significantly in 2021, but not yet at pre-Covid levels
People have long requested that the building be made more accessible to the public.
“Palais de Justice is part of our collective heritage, although not many people have visited its interior. Let’s change that,” said Brussels State Secretary for Urbanism and Heritage Pascal Smet.
“In addition to protecting and renovating our heritage, opening iconic buildings is a cornerstone of my heritage policy. That is why I took the initiative to gather everyone involved so that from now on all Brusselers and visitors can discover this landmark.”
Re-opening signals less restrictions on tours
“I am pleased that the general public will be able to rediscover the history and exceptional spaces of the Law Courts,” said Brussels Minister-President Rudi Vervoort.
A tour of the Palais de Justice. Photo by Helen Lyons/The Brussels Times.
“This gem has been kept hidden for the last two years but will now be accessible again to the public. Everyone knows this emblematic building of Brussels but only a few have ever gone inside. I therefore recommend you climb the stairs to discover this gem of Joseph Poelaert and the view over Brussels from the square that bears his name.”
Four new courtrooms, future renovations
The Palais de Justice will also be utilising four new high-security courtroom, built in one of the courtyards.
“The Palais de Justice in Brussels is a symbolic Belgian site,” said Michel. “Restoring the building to its former glory is a priority.”
Michel said the interior of the Courthouse will also receive needed attention, and that the four new courtrooms are an important first step in broader renovations expected to cost €100 million.
Palais de Justice. Photo by Helen Lyons/The Brussels Times.
“A lot of work has been and is being carried out on the Brussels courthouse,” said Laurent Vrijdaghs, Administrator General and Chairman of the Management Committee of the Government Buildings Agency.
“The most visible and well-known are undoubtedly the renovation and restoration works on the facades, for which preliminary studies are currently underway. But many other efforts are also being made. With respect for the original appearance of the building, modern and sustainable courtrooms have been created.”
Information for arranging a tour
Tours will take place Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. The price for a Wednesday tour is €13 for adults and €10 for those under the age of 26. For Saturday, prices are €16 for adults and €12 for those under the age of 26.
For individuals looking to participate in a tour, registration is mandatory via www.arkadia.be (French) or www.korei.be (Dutch/English).
Group tours with a maximum of 20 people are possible on weekdays between 10:00 and 16:45 and can be arranged by sending an email to info@arkadia.be (French) or info@korei.be (Dutch/English).
Schools and organisations (both non-profit and for-profit) can take advantage of discounted rates.
The Brussels-Capital Region has budgeted €30,000 to carry out the guided tours.
