Bring back the light
to the Chinese Pavilion.
The lamps of the Chinese Pavilion
From 1910, bronze lamp posts crowned with sculpted globes surrounded the Chinese Pavilion. Help us restore them and switch them back on in spring 2027.
Subscription open
€300,000
fundraising goal
for the 6 lamps
€100
minimum subscription
with exclusive benefits
2027
the light returns
in spring
Old postcard: the Chinese Pavilion and one of its lamp posts
How is the subscription going?
The lamps project
A public subscription to restore their glow.
The ASBL Palais chinois et des Pays des Routes de la Soie, with the support and expertise of BeeBonds, is launching a public subscription open to everyone.
A concrete goal
Restore and switch back on the 6 bronze lamp posts that have surrounded the Chinese Pavilion since 1910.
€300,000 to raise
The €300,000 goal funds the restoration of the 6 lamps as well as the works and costs that come with their return.
From €100
A donation, with no repayment, but with exclusive benefits depending on the amount given.
Spring 2027
The light returns around the Chinese Pavilion, thanks to the subscribers.
Via BeeBonds
A Belgian crowdfunding platform puts its expertise and community at the service of the ASBL.
Bringing the light back to the Chinese Pavilion
For decades they lit the Pavilion. Only their bases remain.
1910
A setting of light
When construction ends, the site is surrounded by bronze lamp posts crowned with sculpted globes.
Sawn off
Silence and oblivion
Without maintenance, the lamps went dark, then were sawn off at their base.
2027
The light returns
In spring 2027, the Pavilion gets its light back thanks to the subscribers.
Pieces found again
Although almost all the posts have disappeared, a cracked glass globe and two lamp tops, damaged and incomplete, were found in the Pavilion's cellars. They serve as models to restore the lamps.
Light that protects
Lighting the Chinese Pavilion, even during its restoration, makes it safer. Light prevents a great deal of vandalism.
Then and now
The lamps, then and now
Then
Now
Then
NowThe Chinese Pavilion in pictures
Why subscribe?
Every donation brings the Pavilion closer to its light.
€100
The minimum amount to take part in relighting a jewel of Belgian heritage.
€300,000
Fundraising goal
Restore a heritage
Bring the original bronze lamps back to life, based on the pieces found in the cellars.
Make the site safer
A lit pavilion is better protected against vandalism throughout its restoration.
Leave your name
Your name engraved on a copper plaque near the lamps at the main entrance.
For every subscriber
Your name engraved near the lamps.
Whatever the amount of your donation, you receive three benefits offered to every subscriber, on top of those of your tier.
- An invitation to the opening of the reopening exhibition, in the presence of Her Majesty Queen Mathilde
- Your name engraved on a copper plaque near the lamps at the main entrance
- Your name mentioned in the ASBL's communication: website, publications, press kits
Three tiers, cumulative benefits
Benefits by tier
You choose the amount of your donation freely, from €100. Each tier includes the benefits of the previous tiers. Benefits are valid from the reopening of the Chinese Pavilion, planned for early 2029, until the end of 2030.
Light
The whole life of the Chinese Pavilion is open to you.
€100 to €400
Benefits
- Free access to all activities of the Chinese Pavilion: exhibitions, talks, concerts and guided tours
+ the benefits offered to every subscriber
Circle of Friends
Join those who bring the Pavilion to life.
€500 to €1,400
Benefits
- + the benefits of the previous tiers
- Membership of the Circle of Friends of the Palais chinois et des Pays des Routes de la Soie
+ the benefits offered to every subscriber
Patron
A front-row seat for the Pavilion's revival.
€1,500 and above
Benefits
- + the benefits of the previous tiers
- Attendance at official events: exhibition openings, VIP evenings, exclusive events
+ the benefits offered to every subscriber
For every subscriber
An invitation to the opening of the reopening exhibition in the presence of Her Majesty Queen Mathilde, your name engraved on a copper plaque near the lamps at the main entrance, and a mention in the ASBL's communication (website, publications, press kits).
Good to know
The subscription is a donation: no repayment is provided. Benefits are valid from the reopening of the Chinese Pavilion, planned for early 2029, until the end of 2030.
Donations are made in steps of €100. A donation of €500 or more gives access to the « Circle of Friends » tier, a donation of €1,500 or more to the « Patron » tier. The reopening schedule depends on the progress of the restoration works.
A little history
The Chinese Pavilion, a bridge between Belgium and the Far East.
Designed by the French architect Alexandre Marcel at the initiative of King Leopold II, the Chinese Pavilion bears witness to the good relations between Belgium and the Far East. Together with the Japanese Tower, it borders the royal estate of Laeken.
- 1902Foundations begin, inspired by the Paris World's Fair (1900)
- 1910Construction of the pavilion and its outbuildings is completed
- 1913Inauguration: the pavilion becomes a showcase for trade with the Far East
- 1990sFull restoration by the Régie des Bâtiments, under the supervision of the KIK-IRPA
- 2013Closed to the public for safety and stability reasons
- 2019Listing of the building approved at the initiative of the Brussels-Capital Region
- 2025Creation of the ASBL Palais chinois et des Pays des Routes de la Soie
High Patronage
The ASBL is under the High Patronage of Her Majesty Queen Mathilde.
A unique heritage jewel
Unique in Europe
No other building this specific and of this quality exists in Europe.
The spirit of chinoiserie
Representative of the European taste for « chinoiseries » and « follies » from the 18th century onwards.
A dialogue of styles
Louis XV, Empire and Art Nouveau blend with Chinese, Japanese and Indian craft traditions.
A privileged setting
On the edge of the royal estate of Laeken, close to the Atomium and the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken.
Exceptional collections
Links with the Art & History Museum and Chinese partners, including the Palace Museum in Beijing.
A historic park
Listed since 1997, it is home to rare species and original plantings.
What future for the Chinese Pavilion?
A lasting project, led by an ASBL.
A lasting project
Restoration follow-up, equipment, maintenance and programming of the site by the ASBL, with the Régie des Bâtiments and Urban Brussels.
Around the Silk Roads
A new purpose devoted to culture and tourism, open to the public during the day.
An annex to meet
The annex will become an events venue devoted to Belgian-Asian relations.
Timeline
2026 to 2027
Refurbishment of the annex (former stables): offices, partners and groups welcomed by appointment
2026 to 2028
Restoration of the Chinese Pavilion, after studies, specifications, tender and permit
Spring 2027
The Chinese Pavilion lit again thanks to the restored lamps, and opening of a Silk Roads exhibition in the restored annex
Early 2029
Planned reopening of the Chinese Pavilion to the public: exhibitions and activities around the cultures of Asia
Project lead
Diane Hennebert, Managing Director
Diane Hennebert, a philosopher by training, has successively directed the Belgian cultural center in Paris, the Fondation pour l'Architecture (Brussels), the Atomium (2001-2006), whose restoration she managed, the Boghossian Foundation and the restoration of the Villa Empain (Brussels, 2007-2015). In collaboration with the European institutions, she also set up an international urban education workshop and, in 2015, the Out of the Box creative education workshop, which developed a program for young people aged 15 to 19 who have dropped out of school (www.ofthebox.be).
Share the subscription
Every share counts. Help us bring the light back to the Chinese Pavilion.
Together, let's bring the light back to the Chinese Pavilion.
Every subscription, from €100, brings the return of the lamps in spring 2027 a little closer.
By completing the form, you receive the transfer details by email. No money is taken automatically.
Frequently asked questions
Your donation
Tiers and benefits
Contact
A question? Let's talk.
ASBL Palais chinois
Diane Hennebert
Managing director
- Phone+32 (0)475 21 16 61
- Emaildiane@chinahouse.be
- Websitewww.chinahouse.be
- AddressAvenue de la Toison d'Or 87, 1060 Saint-GillesTemporary address until December 2026
