The École Moyenne de l’État pour Filles was built between 1874 and 1876 in Verviers, Belgium, as a state secondary school for girls. Designed by the Brussels architects Benoît and Vanderstraeten, the building became one of the city’s most distinguished educational institutions. Its imposing neoclassical façade, grand staircases, spacious corridors, and impressive glass-covered central courtyard reflected the ambition of late nineteenth-century public architecture.

In 1881, following the reorganization of Belgian state education, the school officially became a state girls’ secondary school and served generations of students for decades. As educational needs evolved, the institution expanded its role, and after the Second World War it became known as the Athénée Royal. The complex also housed nursing education, remaining an important centre for learning throughout much of the twentieth century.

During the late twentieth century, educational activities were gradually transferred to more modern facilities. The final occupants left the building in 1998, marking the end of more than 120 years of continuous educational use. The vacant complex remained empty for approximately two decades, during which time its remarkable architecture attracted considerable attention.

Recognising its historical and architectural significance, large parts of the building received protected heritage status in 2005. Restoration and redevelopment began in 2018, with the objective of preserving the building’s defining architectural features while adapting it for modern use. The historic façade, monumental entrance hall, elegant staircases, and iconic glazed courtyard were carefully restored, ensuring that one of Verviers’ most important educational landmarks would be preserved for future generations.