The Namur Casino pavilion is being reborn piece by piece
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26 Jul 2026 •
Reading time: 2 minutes
The former Namur Casino pavilion, designed in 1909 by the architect Georges Hobé, is continuing to be rebuilt thanks to the work of volunteers from the Union des Artisans du Patrimoine (UAP).
A historic building destined for demolition
The pavilion’s fate could have been very different. The Casino had planned to dispose of it by sending it to the tip. This prospect was deemed unthinkable by the members of the Union des Artisans du Patrimoine.
To prevent its demolition, the volunteers undertook a meticulous operation: completely dismantling the structure, numbering each component and precisely documenting the location of all the parts. This method now makes it possible to rebuild the building exactly as it was, like a huge heritage jigsaw puzzle.
A new decisive stage at the Citadel
The project is now entering its second phase. Following the reconstruction of the stone foundation, the teams are turning their attention to the roof structure and the roof itself.
This stage is being carried out by a small team of volunteer roofers, joiners and carpenters, who are dedicating their time and expertise to preserving this heritage site. Their aim remains the same: to faithfully restore the pavilion designed by Georges Hobé over a century ago.
The first phase of the project benefited from the involvement of construction students from the Asty-Moulin school. The students carried out the reconstruction of the stone base as part of their training.
This collaboration combined learning with heritage conservation. The future professionals were thus able to gain practical experience on a real-life building site, whilst the project benefited from a partnership suited to its voluntary nature.
A new role for the old pavilion
Originally, this pavilion served as a ticket office for the Namur Casino. Its function will change once the work is complete.
Situated at the rear of the Théâtre de Verdure, on the Citadel, it will now serve as a bus shelter. This new purpose will allow this historic building to remain part of Namur’s landscape whilst retaining its architectural identity.
By rebuilding the pavilion using its original parts, the volunteers from the Union des Artisans du Patrimoine are doing much more than simply restoring a building. They are preserving a testament to the work of Georges Hobé and preventing the loss of a piece of Namur’s heritage.