A new chapter begins for Filigranes. Once considered a cultural sanctuary nestled in the heart of the European quarter, Filigranes is now reinventing itself, boldly moving into the luminous, high-design Mayfair concept store on Boulevard de Waterloo.
Filigranes has long been more than just a bookshop. It symbolised Brussels' intellectual vibrancy for decades – a haven where bibliophiles, thinkers, writers, and curious minds crossed paths. But after years of battling declining foot traffic, structural decay, and mobility issues in the neighbourhood, Filigranes found itself at a crossroads.
Now, with a bold move to the luxurious Mayfair, it is rebranding and redefining what a modern 21st-century bookshop can be.
Moving to Mayfair
On 23 April 2025 – fittingly, World Book Day – Filigranes officially opened the door to its new home, joining the curated world of Mayfair.
A 3,500 m² concept store founded by Belgian entrepreneur Mehmet Sandurac, Mayfair has positioned itself as a hub of modern lifestyle since its 2022 expansion. Fashion, design, gastronomy and literature coalesce under one architectural vision.
"We've retained our essence while embracing a new kind of experience. It's a reinvention, not a rupture," Marc Vanden Bossche, Filigranes events director, told The Brussels Times.
Gone are the narrow aisles and the weary charm of the old Avenue des Arts location. The new Filigranes lounges across several levels, blending the warm soul of a traditional bookstore with the sleek and chic aesthetics of modern retail.
From the moment we entered Mayfair's central atrium, glass façades and bright lights poured over meticulously designed displays, and an intuitive layout that encouraged wandering and serendipitous discovery.
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Mayfair entrance corridor. Credit: Anas El Baye
Credit: Anas El Baye
A bookseller arranging books in the international aisle at Filigranes. Credit: Anas El Baye
The basement is still under development. It will soon host a dedicated children's zone, complete with books, toys and interactive games. The ground floor hosts literary fiction and art books, merging seamlessly with Mayfair's broader cultural offer. Upstairs, there is an extensive humanities section, an international literature wing, and dedicated spaces for comics and graphic novels.
It is not merely a bookstore; the mix of design, art and literature is a cultural journey. The vision is clearly different. You might come for a novel and stay for the interior design, the indie fashion labels, or the daily specials at the café.
Café at Filigranes. Credit: Anas El Baye
One of the most ambitious aspects of the relaunch is Filigranes' renewed commitment to multilingualism.
With roughly 30% of its customers Dutch-speaking and a growing number of English-speaking residents and tourists frequenting the Louise district, the bookstore intentionally promotes linguistic inclusivity.
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Entrance seen from above. Credit: Anas El Baye
Events and book signings in Dutch and English are now part of the regular programme.
The store will soon welcome Dutch-speaking author Alexander Deperez with his politically-charged biography, 'Prince Albert: Prelude to a Communist', and London-born political blogger Nikki Trott, well-known in European circles for her biting social commentary.
"We are in Brussels. It's a multilingual city. It's our duty to reflect that," Vanden Bossche says.
Marc Vanden Bossche holding Alexander Deperez's 'Prince Albert: Prelude to a Communist'. Credit: Anas El Baye
The shop also makes room for independent and small publishers, although he acknowledges the logistical hurdles of distribution. "We work with Electre and Dilicom for referencing. Sadly, most self-published works aren't integrated into those systems. It's not about reluctance, but practicality – we must manage 150,000 titles efficiently."
From subversion to storytime
And then there are the author events. Kicking off with François Bégaudeau – Palme d'Or-nominated screenwriter and polemicist – the programme reads like a manifesto. "We like the idea of contrasts," Vanden Bossche smiles. "Hosting someone like Bégaudeau in a temple of luxury is ironic, provocative and intellectually satisfying."
A woman reaching for a book at Filigranes. Credit: Anas El Baye
Other names include journalist Fabrice Arfi, essayist Camille Kouchner, and transgender author Léon Salin, whose book launches during Pride month. "We want to broaden perspectives, and explore underrepresented stories," Vanden Bossche insists.
New initiatives for children include dedicated readings and 'book experiences' where the object of the book itself is celebrated. "Children should be able to chew books, tear them, colour them, make them their own," says Vanden Bossche with anticipated excitement. "We want to restore reading as a natural, joyful act."
And for adults? The ambition is even grander. "We want Filigranes to become a cultural agora. A meeting place. A platform. Political, social, intellectual, but never partisan. All ideas deserve a voice."
Find more information on Filigranes' events here.
A forgotten past and a future unfolding
The relocation of Filigranes to Mayfair (and its acquisition) was not merely about a need for rebranding. It also stemmed from multiple controversies and issues surrounding the previous owner.
But Filigranes is eager to move forward. 30 booksellers – some with over 20 years of service – have made the move, carrying the place's soul with them. "We sell advice and offer a listening ear," says Vanden Bossche. "We don't just sell books."
"That chapter is closed. What matters now is the present – and the future," he says firmly. "Filigranes is no longer about one person. It's a concept. A cultural engine."
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Credit: Anas El Baye
Credit: Anas El Baye
The store's next steps include launching a new outdoor terrace in June, opening the children's space downstairs, and potentially establishing satellite locations, including an existing cultural outpost in the Théâtre Le Public.
The goal? A 20% increase in book sales in the near term, and a long-term vision that places Filigranes at the crossroads of culture and commerce, heritage and innovation.
"We're reinventing the bookshop – not just to survive, but to lead," he added. "The world has changed. It's time we did too."
