Several indoor elements of the iconic Hotel Métropole on Place De Brouckère in the heart of Brussels will become protected Brussels heritage to preserve its interior during the upcoming major renovation.
First opened in 1895, the Métropole was the last large five-star independent hotel in the capital, but the effects of pedestrian works, the closure of road tunnels and the terror attacks saw the number of lodgers drop, with the Covid-19 pandemic dealing the legendary establishment its final blow in 2020.
However, the city landmark, which during its peak hosted many prominent figures, including Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, US Presidents Hoover and Eisenhower, is expected to reopen in the final quarter of 2025, following extensive renovations.
Protecting grandeur
Earlier this year, experts discovered that some of the hotel's interior pieces offered for sale had heritage value during the inspection of the furniture. This week, it was announced that some additional interior elements will become protected Brussels heritage so the iconic interior can be preserved during the major works.
"Hotel Métropole is getting ready for the future, building on and respecting its rich past. We are protecting several interior elements because they are an integral part of this iconic building," said Ans Persoons, Brussels Secretary of State for Town Planning and Heritage, adding that these efforts will ensure that "these beautiful interior pieces will forever remain part of the Hotel Métropole and of Brussels."
Some of the elements that will be given protected status. Credit: Cabinet Ans Persoon
Part of the building and interior have been protected since 1994, while others were given this status in 2002. These mainly included elements of the belle époque, such as the facades, ground floor and staircase, with the protection stating that these elements could not be altered or leave the building.
This status will now be extended to many other interior elements, mainly in art deco style, including numerous art deco furniture pieces, the 1960 relief map of Belgium in the entrance hall, the patio and the Art Deco spiral staircase in the former winter garden, the octagonal art deco staircase from the first to the fifth floor, elements of the former Indian Salon, the Marie Curie room and the central staircase hall.
