Jardin du Maelbeek

Jardin du Maelbeek is a public park in Brussels' European Quarter featuring a miniature waterway that recreates the original Maelbeek stream, now buried beneath the city. The space combines planted areas, water features, and seating zones to provide relief from the surrounding urban environment.

The park was established in 1951 following community opposition to ambitious development plans that would have completely reshaped the neighborhood. Local resistance prevented the transformation and secured this green space for public use instead.

The park serves as a meeting space for residents and professionals working in the nearby European institutions, creating a place where people from different backgrounds gather regularly.

The park is located where Rue de la Loi and Chaussée d'Etterbeek intersect, making it accessible by public transport and convenient for the surrounding area. A local market runs here on Thursday afternoons, offering a good reason to visit at a specific time.

The space evolved from a temporary parking lot into a green area thanks to residents who successfully opposed further construction in the area. This transformation reveals how public determination can reshape an overlooked corner of the city.