Leuven Town Hall Hidden Behind Giant Banner Until 2027
One of Belgium’s most treasured Gothic landmarks, the Leuven Town Hall, has been fully enveloped in scaffolding and a giant photorealistic banner as part of a sweeping €35 million restoration project. The 26-metre-wide by 18-metre-high banner — hoisted into place on the morning of July 2, 2026 — displays a photographic reproduction of the building’s ornate facade, ensuring the 15th-century icon remains recognisable to passersby and visitors throughout the multi-year renovation, VRT NWS reported.
Context: A Gothic Masterpiece
Built between 1439 and 1469 in the Flamboyant Brabantine Gothic style, the Leuven Town Hall (Stadhuis van Leuven) is widely regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful Gothic civic buildings. Located on the Grote Markt in the heart of the city, the structure is made of Lediaan stone and features three floors, four corner towers, and an elaborate facade adorned with 236 statues added between 1849 and 1913. French author Victor Hugo, who visited in 1852, famously described it as “un feu d’artifice pétrifié” — a petrified fireworks display. The building has been listed as protected heritage in Flanders since February 1, 1937.
The Restoration Project
The current restoration — described by Mayor Mohamed Ridouani as “the most far-reaching works in the history of our beautiful town hall” — began in October 2025 and is scheduled for completion in 2029. The scope of work is extensive: every one of the 236 facade statues is being inspected for structural integrity, the entire roof is being replaced with new slates and interior insulation, and the interior is undergoing meticulous conservation, including the treatment of paintings, statues, and authentic wallpaper, according to VRT NWS.
Alderman Dirk Vansina (CD&V), responsible for monuments and heritage, explained the rationale behind the banner: “The town hall is in scaffolding because we want to inspect the facade. We want to check whether all the statues on the facade are still intact and securely attached. The roof is also being replaced. Until 2027 the town hall will remain hidden, so we want to use a large banner to still show an image of the facade.”
A Banner Solution for Urban Continuity
The decision to install a photorealistic banner reflects a growing trend in major urban restoration projects worldwide: keeping beloved landmarks visually present even when physically inaccessible. The banner, measuring roughly the size of a six-storey building, was attached to a metal frame on the scaffolding and depicts the town hall’s iconic Gothic facade in photographic detail. The scaffolding itself is expected to remain in place until at least 2027, after which the banner period will end, though interior and finishing work will continue through to the planned 2029 reopening.
A New Vision for Leuven’s Civic Heart
Beyond preservation, the restoration aims to transform the town hall into a more open and accessible public space. A new entrance on the Grote Markt will improve accessibility, and the building is being reimagined as an “open house” where residents and visitors can engage with the city’s history. As Mayor Ridouani stated in June 2025, according to VRT NWS: “It will become a place where you can experience history, where the stories of the city are told, and where our residents can work together on the future of Leuven.”
The mayor has also linked the restoration to Leuven’s ambition to become European Capital of Culture in 2030, positioning the renovated town hall as the centrepiece of that bid. After completion, the building will once again host weddings, official receptions, and city council meetings.
Economic and Tourism Implications
With a budget of €35 million, this is one of the most significant municipal restoration projects in Belgium. The City of Leuven’s official website outlines a phased timeline that began with design work in 2020 and preparatory surveys in early 2025. The town hall is a major tourist draw in Flanders, and the city’s decision to maintain visual continuity through the banner demonstrates awareness of the landmark’s role as a defining image of Leuven.
Looking Ahead
The town hall will remain hidden behind scaffolding until at least 2027, with full restoration and reopening planned for 2029. When it reopens, the building will not only be structurally renewed but reimagined as a dynamic civic space connecting Leuven’s rich past with its cultural ambitions for the future.
Reporting based on VRT NWS (July 2, 2026; June 30, 2025; October 1, 2025), City of Leuven official website, and EuroWeekly News.