Charleroi Palais des Expositions Wins Mies van der Rohe Award 2026 for Landmark Revitalization

The Charleroi Palais des Expositions, a 1950s convention centre, has been awarded the prestigious Mies van der Rohe Award 2026. The seven-year renovation, by AgwA and Architecten Jan de Vylder Inge Vinck, meticulously preserved and revitalized the 50,000-square-meter structure, originally completed in 1954. The project is lauded for its deep respect for the original modernist architecture, while successfully integrating contemporary functionalities and sustainable systems. Jury praised the transformative approach that balanced heritage conservation with the demands of a modern event space, enhancing its cultural and economic relevance. This win highlights the growing importance of adaptive reuse in contemporary architecture, setting a precedent for the sensitive regeneration of post-war public buildings across Europe. The revitalization ensures the Palais des Expositions remains a vibrant cultural and economic asset for the region.