PARC DU CINQUANTENAIRE

Description

Essentials about Parc du Cinquantenaire in brief

Parc du Cinquantanaire is probably the best known and perhaps the most beautiful city park in Brussels. The majestic Arc de Triomphe, which towers over the park, is visible from afar. Several sights and museums attract many visitors to Parc du Cinquantanaire day after day. In addition, the 37-hectare park is also one of the most popular recreational destinations for Brussels residents and is popular with locals for walks, sports and picnics.

The history of Parc du Cinquantenaire

Historically, Parc du Cinquantanaire dates back to the celebrations held in 1880 to mark the 50th anniversary of Belgium’s independence. On this occasion, King Leopold II wanted to organize a national exhibition in Brussels. For this purpose, a former military training area outside the city center was chosen. The new park with its imposing buildings was to demonstrate Belgium’s prosperity to the world.

The buildings in Parc du Cinquantenaire

The Arc de Triomphe

The most visible monument in Parc du Cinquantanaire is the Arc de Triomphe, which was intended to illustrate the great history of Brussels and also to serve as the entrance gate to the park for visitors entering from the east. Although the Belgian granite arch was planned for the 1880 World’s Fair, it was not completed until much later, after a heated dispute between the king and the government over the cost of construction and financing of the triumphal arch. It was only through private donors (ultimately the king’s private fortune) that the Arc de Triomphe was completed in 1905 – just in time for the 75th anniversary of Belgian independence.

The arch is adorned with a quadriga symbolizing the province of Brabant. The other Belgian provinces are represented by allegorical statues at the foot of the columns. On both sides of the arch in column galleries are mosaics evoking the “peace-loving Belgian nation.” Because of the quadriga, the arch, which is about 50 meters high, looks like a cross between the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin and the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. In good weather, a good part of the largest of the three passage arches is filled by a Belgian national flag.

The Exhibition Halls

On either side of the Arc de Triomphe is a large exhibition hall, which replaced the original pavilions and exhibition halls of the 1880 exhibition. These two halls, which can already be considered architectural monuments in their own right, now house museums: the southern hall is home to the Autoworld with its large collection of historic vehicles. The northern hall houses the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces.

The Bordiau Halls

Built by the architect Jules Bordiau, the Bordiau Halls were the only buildings finished in time for the 1880 exhibition. They are a construction of iron and glass typical of the late 19th century. After the end of the exhibition, museums were also housed here. The southern hall was destroyed by fire in 1946. The new building, which was built afterwards, is not in keeping with the style, and today houses the Art & History Museum.

The Pavilion of Human Passions

Another place worth seeing in Parc du Cinquantanaire is the Pavilion of Human Passions. Created by the famous Art Nouveau architect Victor Horta, it is home to a fantastic sculpture by artist Jef Lambeaux.

The Parc du Cinquantenaire as a leisure park

Most Brussels residents do not come to Parc du Cinquantanaire for the historic buildings and museums, but use the 37-hectare park for recreation. On fine weather days, crowds of recreationists flock to the park paths to jog or Nordic walk their laps. In addition, benches, picnic tables, deck chairs and playgrounds invite visitors to linger throughout Parc du Cinquantanaire.