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The Villa Empain: the secrets of an exceptional restoration

By Francis Metzger

Lecture ◇ 22 January 2025 Sold out

The Boghossian Foundation celebrates the Art Deco year and is delighted to welcome, in this context, architect Francis Metzger, who will unveil the behind-the-scenes story of the restoration of Villa Empain, honoured with the prestigious Europa Nostra award. How many sheets of gold were required to restore the brass corner pieces of the Villa Empain’s façade? How does one restore rare exotic woods? What solutions were used to harmonise the sumptuous salons adorned with Escalette marble and Jourdan wood? Through captivating anecdotes and fascinating technical challenges, immerse yourself in the secrets of this extraordinary restoration project.

Francis Metzger is a distinguished Belgian architect, specialising in the restoration of heritage buildings and contemporary architecture. He is the principal of MA² studio, one of Belgium’s most esteemed architectural practices, based in Brussels. Francis Metzger also serves as President of the French- and German-speaking Council of the Order of Architects and is a member of the Royal Commission for Monuments and Sites. A professor and former dean at the University of Brussels (ULB), he has been honoured with four Europa Nostra awards for landmark projects, including the Villa Empain and the Royale Belge. He takes part in numerous international conferences.

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