Solvay Library

Built at the initiative of the industrialist patron Ernest Solvay, the building which was constructed to host an Institute of Sociology is now known as the Bibliothèque Solvay (Solvay Library). It was inaugurated in 1902. The plans were drawn up by the architects Constant Bosmans and Henri Vandeveld, helped in their task by Émile Waxweiller, a professor of sociology at the Université libre de Bruxelles. Decorated with mosaics, the entrance hall allows visitors to access a vast well-lit reading room with an eclectic style, surrounded by individual study rooms with padded doors. The building, vacated by the Université libre de Bruxelles, was listed in 1988 and carefully restored by the architects Deleuze, Metzger et Associés, who reconstructed all the architectural details that were destroyed and recreated the original décor, which was particularly elegant. The basements were also renovated in a modern style which remains true to the architectural spirit of the premises. Revived and inaugurated in 1994, Bibliothèque Solvay now hosts numerous events such as receptions, concerts, exhibitions, meetings, etc…