Reopening of the old thermal baths: Al Thermen
In 1997 the architects Nico Steinmetz and Arnaud de Meyer put forward their plan for renovating the old thermal baths built in 1925 in a "Beaux Arts" style by State architect Paul Wigreux. The renovation work began in 1998.
The public corridors, wide, spacious and lit by leaded glass windows, were maintained in memory of early 20th century thermalism, and became one of the connecting threads of the construction which today comprises the banqueting room and the new covered passage to the Orangerie (with the new bridge over the Gander).
It was decided to retain the maximum original materials and thus not only old works were kept but also historic marks and signs of previous users.
Current requirements of comfort and safety can be distinguished from the former installations by very visible contrasts of materials and colours: glass, steel, natural wood and dark grey stone form a contrast with the thick walls, painted wood and beige stone. So the new enhances the old; the old forms a basis for the new activities; the two complement one another, need one another in order to give the building new life.
As they leave Avenue des Bains, visitors reach the banqueting room through the "préau", once the boiler room, situated at level -1. The sheer space of this room is breathtaking, and it is sufficiently adaptable for the hosting of different kinds of events. Facing the entrances of the room, "The Bathers" by Tina Gillen refer to the old Mondorf baths. The foyer, the reception area, a kind of "room of lost steps" is characterised by large steel structures with glass partitions, catwalks, passageways and light staircases, which enable visitors to explore this space in all three dimensions.
At the far end of the banqueting room are stepped rows of seats (amphitheatre) with a stage for open air spectacles. The somewhat undulating site has been extended up to the new hall and the two courtyards created between the banqueting room and the external wings of the "Al Thermen" face towards the park side (plant courtyard) and the town side (mineral courtyard); in the latter, cocktails or receptions with a banquet can be held.
The entire project is intended to create memorable places for the public inside and outside the buildings, and to prolong the memory of the premises while honestly expressing their specific characteristics.
The first reception in the new hall was held on 1 December 2000 and the official inauguration took place on 17 June 2001.