THE SOAP FACTORY STORY 

In the 19th century, a family business producing soap and cosmetic products was thriving in the young Belgian capital.  Surrounding a private courtyard in the heart of Brussels, the business complex enclosed several buildings including the family house and the charming soap factory.

When the activities were taken over by an American conglomerate in the 1950s, it didn't last long before the decision was taken to close the small-scale city facilities, probably for lack of space. The buildings were sold and their former bubbly glory was slowly forgotten.

Throughout the decades, however, the authentic decorative elements and the charm of the early industrial premises were preserved thanks to the vision of a young doctor who bought over the complex and used it for his private laboratory activities. The rooms of the family houses were rented out to students of the neighboring art universities.

Years passed and the premises needed a thorough restoration to reclaim their former industrial splendor. In 2019, we started the gradual renovation and rebuild of the different buildings that were part of the original industrial complex.

Today the owners' house as well as the former concierge's dwellings are fully renovated and offer large rooms as well as an array of shared communal spaces.  In honor of the legacy of the past, a new life has been given to the site by the international community of young people who today call "The Soap Factory" their Brussels' home.

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We would be delighted to welcome you here as well!