News from the site: Ancien Thermes de Spa

The restoration of the iconic old thermal baths in Spa is nearing completion. This landmark building, officially listed as a monument since January 1992, will soon be reopened to the public. Inaugurated in 1868 based on designs by Brussels architect Léon Suys, the establishment is a key example of 19th-century thermal architecture. It is now recognized as exceptional heritage of Wallonia and forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site perimeter since July 2021.

A site visit was organised together with AWaP (Agence wallonne du Patrimoine) who are monitoring the works since 2019. A first public funding agreement of €4.5 million was granted by the Walloon Region to the temporary consortium Foremost Immo, Denys, Sum Project, and Barbara Van der Wee Architects for the restoration of the building’s exterior shell. Important discoveries during the restoration of the interior salons led to an extension of the heritage protection and an additional €4 million subsidy, allowing for the restoration of the entrance hall, salons, and other significant interior spaces.

© B. Van der Wee Architects

The building stands as a major heritage site and a rare testimony to the second golden age of Spa’s thermal culture in the late 19th century. With its eclectic, neoclassical-inspired architecture, the building is structured around a central courtyard and accessible via a monumental staircase. Each wing originally separated male and female bathers, with central corridors leading to bathing rooms — some still preserving original tiles and furnishings.

The richly decorated interior features polychrome ornamentation, statues by sculptor Guillaume de Groot, painted panels with vegetal motifs, and a ceiling painting by Liège artist Joseph Carpay.

With the hotel now operational and the final stages of restoration underway, the reopening of this unique site marks a new chapter in Spa’s rich thermal heritage. An official inauguration is expected in the coming months.