The Book Tower will be restored by 2017

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Kunstenkwartier/St-Pietersplein-site

13/01/2011

The Book Tower is an icon of modernist architecture from the interwar period. The building, which was designed by architect Henry Van de Velde, has been a protected monument since 1992. Flemish Minister for Immovable Heritage Geert Bourgeois and Professor Paul van Cauwenberghe, rector of Ghent University, signed a multi-year subsidy agreement for the restoration of this architectural gem.

The restoration will be spread over several years:

• 2011: construction of an underground, secured and climate-controlled depot under the internal garden and pond for the storage of the most precious works.
• 2012-2014: restoration of façades, roofs and joinery.
• After 2014: restoration of the interiors.

As a result, the works stored at the Book Tower will be stored and conserved more efficiently.
The building will also become more accessible for visitors.

The restoration costs are estimated at 12.1 million euro.

The restoration should be completed by 2017, the 200th anniversary of the university’s founding.