Statue of Alexandre Gendebien

The statue of Alexandre Gendebien is a white marble sculpture standing on a tall blue stone pedestal along rue de la Science. The work depicts him in an upright, resolute posture that conveys his political significance to early Belgian independence.

Sculptor Charles van der Stappen created this monument as a tribute to Gendebien's political resistance during the 1830s. Inaugurated in 1874, it was later relocated from its original site and now stands in its current location.

The statue captures Gendebien in a pose that echoes his passionate stand against external political pressure during a defining moment for Belgium. Its placement in this quarter ties together the memory of national independence with the rhythm of daily city life.

The statue sits directly on rue de la Science and is easy to spot from street level. The blue pedestal carries French inscriptions that provide information about Gendebien's life and work, inviting visitors to pause and read.

Gendebien was known for his extreme passion in political debates, which manifested itself in dramatic moments such as brandishing a pistol in parliament in 1833. This intensity of feeling made him a figure both feared and admired by his contemporaries.

Location: City of Brussels

Inception: 1874

Creator: Charles van der Stappen

Official opening: September 26, 1874

Made from material: white marble

GPS coordinates: 50.84338,4.37172

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:27