urbanrelicsphotography:AEGIDIUMThe neoclassical facade of Aegidium (named after the patron saint of
urbanrelicsphotography:AEGIDIUMThe neoclassical facade of Aegidium (named after the patron saint of the municipality where the building is located) hardly suggests the special architectural ensemble hidden behind it. The ensemble was built in 1905 after a design by architect Guillaume Segers. The banquet hall complex opened in December 1906 and soon became the center of the city’s nightlife. The Moorish hall, which was originally a banquet hall, was converted into a cinema in 1913 and from then on it was known as the Diamant Palace. After the death of the original owner, the building was taken over and transformed into a dance venue. Of course, that also included a new name: Panthéon Palace.In 1929 the complex came into the possession of a canon. He had architect Léon Denis carry out a number of works and renamed the whole Aegidium. From then on it would become a meeting center for the local population, with all kinds of social and cultural activities.The interior is remarkable to say the very least and contains different architectural styles. From the Art Nouveau-style cloakroom, a monumental staircase in pink marble leads to a Beaux-Arts-style landing. The stairwell and landing are illuminated with a spectacular skylight. From the landing there is access on the left to the polygonal conference room in neo-rococo, mixed with Louis XV style, and on the right to the large banquet hall in Moorish style. An unfortunate renovation in 1956 by architects Jean Hendrickx and Yves Stevens caused a change in style in the conference room by installing a concrete ceiling, which divided the room vertically into two parts.The buildings have been out of use since the mid-1980s. The Moorish banquet hall was already protected as heritage in 1997 and in 2006 the entire complex was classified as a monument. However, renovation has been delayed since 2013. This is due in no small part to the high cost price, estimated at 5 to 6 million euros. The building was eventually sold to two real estate companies, who are planning a housing project with 30 homes. -- source link
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