Chinese Pavilion and Japanese Tower designated protected heritage

The Brussels government has decided to designate both the Chinese Pavilion and the Japanese Tower as protected heritage. 

Urbanism alderman Pascal Smet made the announcement on Thursday. “Brussels has many architectural gems that testify to the rich history of our city. The Chinese Pavilion and the Japanese Tower are at the top of this list,” Smet told Bruzz. “By protecting our heritage, we are making sure that Brusselers can be proud of their city and we are also giving Brussels the international appeal it deserves.”

Both buildings were commissioned by the former Belgian King Leopold 1 and constructed between 1901 and 1905. They were both designed by the French architect Alexandre Marcel, who drew his inspiration from 1900 World Exhibition’s ‘Le Tour du Monde’ theme. 

The Chinese Pavilion (pictured) and the Japanese Tower are both in need of urgent renovations. Because the federal government is responsible for the maintenance of the buildings, the Brussels government has tasked Smet with making an appeal to the federal government to undertake renovation works as soon as possible. Smet said he would also explore options to privately fund the renovation works.

Both buildings were donated to the Belgian Ministry of Foreign affairs in 1909 to promote Belgium’s relations with China and Japan.

Photo: Belga / Eric Lalmand

Written by Linda A. Thompson