Cinquantenaire Park, Protected urban park in European Quarter, Brussels
Cinquantenaire Park is a large urban green space in the European Quarter with gardens, fountains, and wide walking paths throughout. A monumental triumphal arch marks the center and connects two exhibition buildings that frame the composition.
The site was founded in 1880 to celebrate fifty years of Belgian independence, with buildings constructed for a national exhibition. The triumphal arch and exhibition halls from this period remain defining structures in the landscape.
Local joggers and walkers pass through regularly, and school groups visit the museums throughout the year. Families gather on the lawns to eat and rest, showing how the space fits into the rhythm of Brussels daily life.
The park has numerous benches, open grassy areas for sitting and eating, and clear walking paths that are easy to navigate. Metro and bus stations are within easy reach, making it convenient to arrive and explore at your own pace.
A sculpture called the Temple of Human Passions, designed by renowned Belgian architect Victor Horta, features a large marble relief with classical figures representing emotions. Few visitors notice this artistic gem, even though it stands as a distinctive work within the grounds.
Location: City of Brussels
Location: Etterbeek
Inception: 1880
Website: https://cinquantenaire.brussels/nl/welkom-nl
GPS coordinates: 50.84056,4.39278
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:00
Brussels combines baroque guild houses, neo-Gothic churches, and modern architecture. The Grand Place forms the historic center with its cobblestone square and gilded facades. The Atomium from 1958 stands in the northern part of the city, displaying the structure of a magnified iron crystal. Saint Michael and Gudula Cathedral preserves Gothic stained glass and wood carvings from the 13th century. The city holds numerous collections of European painting at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts and the Magritte Museum. The Palais de Justice sits on a hill overlooking the city, while the Royal Palace serves as the official residence of the Belgian monarchy. Parks such as Bois de la Cambre and Cinquantenaire Park offer open spaces between city districts. The Belgian Comic Strip Center and the Horta Museum document Belgian contributions to illustration and Art Nouveau design.
Brussels offers photographers a range of architectural subjects spanning several centuries. The medieval Grand-Place forms the historic center, while Art Nouveau buildings such as the Musée Horta and Maison Cauchie document the artistic flourishing around 1900. The Atomium, built for the 1958 World's Fair, represents postwar modernism and has become one of the city's most photographed landmarks. The Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert ranks among Europe's oldest covered shopping arcades and displays the elegant construction techniques of the 19th century. The Mont des Arts connects different neighborhoods through a terraced garden with views over the old town. Parc du Cinquantenaire features neoclassical triumphal arches, while the Porte de Hal remains the last surviving medieval city gate. The Basilique du Sacré-Cœur in Koekelberg shows Art Deco influences in its monumental architecture. Quieter spots include the Étangs d'Ixelles, two ponds in the neighborhood of the same name, or the Forêt de Soignes, an extensive beech forest on the city's edge. Avenue Louise connects residential and commercial districts through various architectural styles. Smaller passages such as Galerie Bortier or Passage du Nord complement the major arcades. Rue des Bouchers is known for its restaurant facades, while Rue de la Cigogne features historic townhouses. Photographically interesting details include the Art Nouveau metro station Pannenhuis or the modernist Bâtiment CBR. The Château de Laeken serves as a royal residence and opens to visitors only during the annual opening of the Serres Royales. Le Botanique, a former botanical garden, now houses a cultural center. Place Royale and the adjacent Palais Royal form the political heart of the city. Smaller squares like Place Flagey offer local scenes away from the main routes.
Royal Military Museum
186 m
Great Mosque of Brussels
468 m
Arc du Cinquantenaire
31 m
Art & History Museum
141 m
Kortenberg building
557 m
Pavilion of Human Passions
470 m
Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History
49 m
Cauchie House
302 m
Autoworld
134 m
Monument to the Belgian Pioneers in Congo
402 m
Saint-Stanislas Institute
332 m
Les Pavillons français
633 m
Casal Català de Brussel·les
412 m
Church of St. Dominic
306 m
Wounded but Still Standing in Front of the Inconceivable
543 m
Monument au Général Thys
467 m
Tower of Beyaert
336 m
Casting workshop of the Art & History Museum
187 m
Svenska kyrkan i Bryssel
355 m
Church of St. Gertrude
481 m
Maison personnelle du sculpteur Julien Dillens
784 m
Imprimerie Phobel
588 m
Building of the Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage
217 m
Dominican church and convent and interior garden
306 m
Avenue Michel-Ange 80
584 m
Ensemble de maisons éclectiques
797 m
Bust of Robert Schuman
468 m
Personal House of Architect Édouard Ramaekers
713 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
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