The project is the result of a collaboration between Belgian artist Michel François and the architecture firm Giusto Van Campenhout, winners of the open call launched in 2024 with the support of Bouwmeester Maître Architecte. Their intervention, both subtle and bold, engages in a dialogue with Victor Horta’s architecture and restores a more human scale to the hall. A monumental textile curtain by designer Flore Fockedey creates a room-within-a-room, while a trompe-l’œil carpet reproducing the original marble recalls the many lives of this place: sculpture hall, marble hall, animation hall.
The project is completed with furniture that invites visitors to take a seat at the heart of the hall, alongside the opening of the hospitality area Horta, named after the visionary architect of the Centre of Fine Arts, which will celebrate its centenary in 2028. In collaboration with Café Victor, Bozar is launching a “coffee, wine and more” concept, offering a warm setting for people to gather — from a morning coffee and croissant to a glass before, during, or after a concert.
This redesign is part of Bozar’s renewed vision of hospitality and goes hand in hand with a strong commitment to local creation: the use of short supply chains, the valorisation of Belgian craftsmanship, and collaboration with numerous artisans based in Brussels. Thanks to its modularity, the space can continue to serve multiple functions: reception, hospitality, performances, encounters, workshops, and events.
The new Horta Hall will open its doors to the public on Friday, 19 September 2025.
Horta by Bozar Café Victor
Tuesday-Sunday, 11am to 6pm
Monday-Sunday, 6pm to 11pm (when events are taking place)
Partners of the project
Overall design: Belgian artist Michel François and architects Nelson Van Campenhout and Santiago Giusto from the Giusto Van Campenhout architectural firm.
Textile design: Flore Fockedey
Installation: Epigone, Triline s.a.
Carpet production: Carpet Society
Carpet photography: HV Studio
Carpentry: Atelier365
Furniture (Fritz Hansen Grand Prix chairs): Dominique Rigo
Acoustics: Kahle Acoustics
Architectural competition held in 2024 in collaboration with Bouwmeester Maître Architecte (BMA)