Bortier Gallery, Covered passageway in Centre Quarter, Brussels, Belgium.
The Bortier Gallery is a covered passage between Rue de la Madeleine and Rue Saint-Jean topped with glass that allows daylight to flood the corridor. The interior is lined with bookshops and small retailers that define the character of this protected passageway.
Architect Jean-Pierre Cluysenaer designed the gallery in 1847, and it opened in 1848 as part of a broader development project. The structure incorporates a historic facade from 1763 into its composition.
The gallery has long served as a gathering place for book lovers and collectors seeking rare editions and old prints. This space remains a meeting point where readers and enthusiasts share their passion for literature.
The passageway offers shelter from the weather and connects two major central streets in Brussels. Walking through it is straightforward and accessible, though it can get crowded during peak hours.
The location became known for its connection to stamp collecting and philatelic materials through Jean-Baptiste Moens, who worked here and drew specialists in that field. This unexpected link to numismatic passion gives the passageway a distinct identity among Brussels's commercial spaces.
Location: City of Brussels
Official opening: 1848
GPS coordinates: 50.84476,4.35490
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:45
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.
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