Expanding the success of the BANAD Festival, which takes place every spring, Explore.Brussels, not wishing to leave autumn out, is launching a new and complementary event: the ANTE Festival. Over two weekends, 11–12 and 18–19 October 2025, a unique programme will showcase the treasures of Brussels’ “long 19th century” architecture (from 1780 to 1920) — more than a century of development, major technical advances and stylistic experimentation. The aim is to explore the roots of modernity. By offering an immersion into the rich evolution of styles — Neoclassicism, Eclecticism, Neo-Gothic, Flemish Neo-Renaissance, Neo-Egyptian, and many others — the ANTE Festival seeks to reveal the extraordinary richness and diversity of Brussels’ architectural heritage. The programme includes exclusive guided tours of buildings normally closed to the public, open-air tours that allow visitors to rediscover the city and understand the urban fabric on which it was built, thematic lectures, tours adapted for people with disabilities (Explore+), workshops and activities for schools and families, and visits designed for learners of French as a foreign language (FLE) or those developing literacy skills (Alpha). Around 6,400 visitors are expected to take part in over 500 tours during the festival.
The presentation of the ANTE Festival took place at Hôtel Fleur de Ville, one of the highlights of the event — and what a one! Opened as a hotel for tourists in 2024, it stands right in the heart of Brussels. You have probably walked past it many times, perhaps after grabbing a bite at the WOLF food court nearby. Older generations of Brussels residents will remember it as the Voormalige Hoofdzetel van de Algemene Spaar- en Lijfrentekas (ASLK), the General Savings and Pensions Fund, founded in 1865.
The portrait of its architect, Henri Beyaert (1823–1894), once appeared on the 100 Belgian franc banknote — a rare honour for an architect. A master of eclecticism and historicism, Beyaert had a profound influence on the architectural character of Brussels. His work is distinguished by rich ornamentation, meticulous attention to detail, and a refined combination of architectural styles, making him the perfect figure for the spirit of the ANTE Festival.
After studying under Joseph Poelaert, the creator of Brussels’ Palais de Justice, Beyaert quickly earned a reputation as an architect capable of combining technical precision with artistic taste — something still evident more than a century later, even after reconstruction (for instance, the lift has been discreetly moved away from the entrance). Beyaert clearly had a strong connection with the banking world: among his best-known works is the National Bank of Belgium, located just two blocks up the road. Into this elegant building, crowned with a dome typical of its era, none other than Paul Hankar added his touch, designing the graceful ironwork.
In 1990, the building was privatised and, after a long and meticulous restoration carried out with great respect for Henri Beyaert’s vision and architectural principles, it reopened as a hotel. Hôtel Fleur de Ville offers 50 rooms and aims for a five-star classification — no small feat. The hotel manager kindly showed us the suite most often booked by newlyweds, complete with a double bank vault door, making any attempt at escape by either spouse practically impossible.
Guests can enjoy an apéritif at the hotel bar, and a gastronomic restaurant is planned to open in January next year. In the meantime, to stay within the tradition of former banks reborn as dining venues, we had lunch at Belga Queen, housed in the former Crédit du Nord bank. Opened in 2002 by the renowned architect and restaurateur Antoine Pinto, it masterfully combines Belgium’s 19th-century architectural heritage with contemporary culinary art — an achievement clearly appreciated by the new owners of Hôtel Fleur de Ville.
