The Belgian capital, Brussels, witnessed a remarkable event last month as many historic buildings were opened to the public. This event was part of the Brussels Decorative Arts Festival (BANAD), which aims to enhance awareness of the city's architectural and artistic heritage.
The festival featured around sixty sites, including private homes, institutional buildings, and former industrial sites. It provided visitors with the opportunity to explore unique architectural details and learn about the restoration history of each building, many of which appeared remarkably preserved as if frozen in past decades.
Event Details and Success
According to Amaroy De Smit, the program and communication director at Explore.Brussels, the festival was a great success, with approximately 19,426 tickets sold, reflecting significant public interest. The festival was not limited to interior visits; it also included around 50 walking and biking tours, as well as conferences, exhibitions, and musical performances.
Founded in 2017, the BANAD festival is a continuation of previous events dating back to 2001. The festival aims to showcase the best of Brussels' architecture and protect the city's cultural sites.
Background & Context
Brussels is considered one of the cradles of modern decorative arts, largely due to the work of pioneering architect Victor Horta (1861 - 1947), who significantly contributed to shaping this movement through his innovative use of iron, glass, and organic forms. The city also boasts an exceptional concentration of modern decorative architecture (Art Deco), with approximately 500 sites.
The transitions from modern decorative art to contemporary decorative art are vividly evident in the city's streets. Modern decorative art peaked in the late 19th and early 20th centuries before gradually evolving into the contemporary decorative style characterized by straight lines and industrial materials such as reinforced concrete.
Impact & Consequences
Both the Brussels region and the municipality allocate a significant portion of their budgets to architectural preservation. In 2026, the regional heritage agency Urban.Brussels announced a budget of 56 million euros for sustainable renovations and facade improvements in the city.
The Brussels municipality also allocated 5.6 million euros for urban planning and heritage in its 2015 budget, including grants for facade renovations in pedestrian areas. This investment demonstrates the city's commitment to preserving its architectural heritage.
Regional Significance
The BANAD festival serves as a model for the Arab region, where Arab countries can benefit from Brussels' experience in preserving architectural heritage. Such events can contribute to enhancing cultural tourism and raising awareness of the importance of architectural heritage in Arab nations.
In conclusion, the Brussels Decorative Arts Festival reflects the city's commitment to preserving its cultural and architectural heritage, enhancing its status as a distinctive tourist destination. It also paves the way for more cultural events that raise awareness of the importance of architectural arts.