Restoration of the town hall: preparatory works

Preparatory studies

Extra studies take place to prepare for the restoration works.

What do we do?

• With a small scalpel, experts uncover the different finishing layers in the halls and rooms.
• This gives us a clear view of all paint layers, plaster layers and finishes.

Test cleanings and test restorations

We also carry out test cleanings and test restorations. In these tests we see which method gives the best results. The results are added to the file for selecting the restorers.

What do we do?

• For example, we carry out 3 cleaning tests.
• We test different colours on a small part of the ceiling or wall.
• This way we can test the colours and techniques before we apply them on a large scale.

Sculpture attic

In the sculpture attic we keep original sculptures and casts from the town hall facade. In the future, you will be able to visit the attic. But first, the attic needs restoration.

What do we do?

• We empty the attic. This involves a total of 880 works in plaster and limestone.
• We list and clean the sculptures. We treat them with special products to strengthen the stone.
• We pack the sculptures and prepare them for transport.
• We take the sculptures down from the attic.
• We move them to an external storage site.

At the opening, we will replace most of the sculptures so that visitors can experience the sculpture loft. The space will then be open to the pulic for the first time.

These works are being carried out under the supervision of M Leuven, the manager of the town hall's art heritage.

Paintings

We remove the paintings from the town hall. This protects them from dirt, dust, and vibrations during the restoration works.

What do we do?

• We remove all the paintings from the walls and ceilings.
• We roll up the largest works so that they can be moved.
• We give all paintings a restoration and conservation treatment.
• We prepare them for re-exhibition: treating the supports and frames, providing hanging systems.

Everyone will be able to admire them again when the town hall reopens.

These works are being carried out under the supervision of M Leuven, the manager of the town hall's art heritage.

Which paintings?

• Paintings from the Gothic Hall, Small Gothic Hall, former lecture hall and the former mayor's office.
• The paintings in the salons on the ground floor have already been restored.

Construction crane

We put a construction crane on the Vrijthof square for the restoration. This is necessary to fix the roofs, clean the walls and move materials and scaffolding safely. The crane will stay on site for the entire duration of the project.

Check how we set up the construction crane at the Town Hall