Europa Nostra and the International Yehudi Menuhin Foundation to host end-of-year cultural evening in Brussels
On 9 December, Europa Nostra and the International Yehudi Menuhin Foundation are organising a cultural evening at the Royale Belge in Brussels, which includes a “Strings for Joy” concert and a reception, in the framework of the European Heritage Hub pilot project. Attended by Glenn Micallef, European Commissioner-designate for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, this festive event will also be the occasion to celebrate the European Heritage Award / Europa Nostra Award 2024 for the restoration of the Royale Belge Building.
Royale Belge exterior lakeside. Photographer: Filip Dujardin
The Royal Belge Building is a fine example of 1960s corporate architecture in Brussels. After being completely abandoned in 2017, the building was in a state of extensive disrepair. In 2018, the city of Brussels granted a consortium of investors, Souverain 25, permission to renovate the building. It now includes conference facilities, offices, co-working spaces, a hotel, a health club, and a restaurant. By rescuing this Modernist landmark from demolition, the restoration ensures the safeguarding of a vital piece of architectural heritage. Its multifunctional design approach, including the restoration of the surrounding garden space which is now accessible to the public, underscores its versatility and community engagement.
The EU-funded project European Heritage Hub recognises music – along with youth – as a fundamental and horizontal dimension across its mission and key activities. As such, the project aims to protect and promote music as a vital element of intangible heritage, while reinforcing synergies between music, other forms of heritage, innovation, and youth. We are proud to invite the Brussels Chamber Orchestra (BCO), which is involved in the creation of educational projects and has the privilege of being an ambassador of the International Yehudi Menuhin Foundation. With six different nationalities, the BCO is a formidable cultural and artistic laboratory in the heart of Europe.
Please note that this event is by invitation-only. Last seats are available upon request.
