Forest Town Hall: Art Deco palace for the people

Toen Jean-Baptiste Dewin drew up the design for the town hall of Forest in the early thirties, he was at the peak of his career. The result is a stunning Art Deco building in which modernist details are subtly intertwined. 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 once 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 Forest. 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 Forest, 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 marriage room with playful acorn motifs, and by the stained glass with scenes of workers—an ode to the municipality's industrial past. The whole forms an enchanting journey of discovery that only invites more. A guided tour of the town hall of Forest thus becomes an experience you do not want to miss.