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In the alderman's room of the Brugse Vrije is a monumental mantelpiece dating from 1528-1531. The fireplace - a tribute to Emperor Charles V (1500-1558) - is constructed of oak, marble and alabaster and was designed by Lanceloot Blondeel and Guyot de Beaugrant. Unfortunately, the oak sculpture of the fireplace is affected by wood-boring insects. So we are subjecting the alderman's room and fireplace to a restoration. The Brugse Vrije will therefore be temporarily closed between 12 August 2024 and 31 January 2025.
Half a millennium after the impressive mantelpiece was built, the masterpiece is due for a restoration. The chimney's treatment is starting sooner than expected. This is because a noxious knocker beetle is at work. That beetle lives in the fireplace and and the attics above.
So the Brugse Vrije will temporarily close for a restoration of both the fireplace and the alderman's room. City of Bruges is working with a team of experts and Bruges conservation architect Benoît Delaey for this.
The oak sculptures, wall panelling and furniture will be treated by anoxia. A treatment in which nearly all oxygen is removed from the air and replaced by nitrogen. The 19th-century tapestries will be decontaminated and given a thorough cleaning. And the attic will also be taken care of.
The Brugse Vrije reopens its doors on 1 February 2025
