Gemeentehuis Vorst: art deco palace for the people

When Toen Jean-Baptiste Dewin drew the design for the Vorst town hall in the early thirties, he was at the peak of his career. The result is a magnificent Art Deco building in which modernist details are subtly interwoven. This architectural jewel, in the municipality where Dewin himself lived, is one of the most remarkable town halls in Brussels. After a thorough ten-year renovation, the building shines again in its original glory. The warm colors, the carefully restored furniture by De Coene, and the craftsmanship that speaks from every room bring the atmosphere of yesteryear back to life. The town hall still fulfills its original function as a service center for the residents of Vorst. During a visit to this remarkable building, Dewin's recognizable design language unfolds, full of refined references to nature and local identity. For the design, he was inspired by the wooded character of Vorst, the municipality that experienced strong population growth at the beginning of the 20th century. Inside, you are immediately captivated by the monumental staircase where Little Red Riding Hood welcomes you, by the door handles of the wedding hall with playful acorn motifs, and by the stained glass with scenes of workers—an ode to the industrial past of the municipality. The whole forms an enchanting journey of discovery that only invites more. A guided tour of the Vorst town hall thus becomes an experience you do not want to miss.