Denys at the Centre for Fine Arts
It’s been three years since the roof fire, and all the affected corners and halls of the Centre for Fine Arts can breathe easy again. Denys was in charge of the restoration of the roof and got the southern exhibition circuit ready to welcome visitors again in September 2023. Apart from Bozar, Denys can also add several other Art Nouveau jewels by Victor Horta to his record of achievements, including Hôtel Solvay and Hôtel van Eetvelde. They once again collaborated with architect and Horta specialist Barbara Van der Wee for the Centre too. An ideal marriage, as Denys and Van der Wee strive for the same level of perfection. For example, they went in search of the exact same colour that Horta had also envisioned for the floor of the corridors of the main hall.
The niche of heritage restoration
Restoring heritage is no easy task. You are bound by different rules that can cause tension or friction. Heritage forces you to be demanding because the composition of materials must be identical to those used in the past, in this case within Horta’s vision. It’s a century-old vision, and one that doesn’t meet the standards of energy efficiency that prevail today. Balancing historical precision with contemporary criteria is thus key.
More than just renovation and restoration
Even when they are not on site, the people of Denys provide Bozar with extra support. Because the Denys Group values heritage and culture, they have been a loyal sponsor of Bozar for years. We were able to create the Victor Horta and the grammar of Art Nouveau exhibition partly thanks to them.
“Society needs culture and art that support social stability and sustainability more than ever, especially in times of crisis and uncertainty. It is these vectors that should collectively enable us to create and maintain permanent well-being. The Bozar temple is the creation to achieve these goals. I am therefore a devoted member and enjoy the numerous splendid concerts and the exceptional exhibitions to the fullest.” — Johan Van Wassenhove, CEO Denys Group
Denys will soon start work on the restoration of Room M and the Studio. These two venues will also revert all the way back to the era of Victor Horta.
