Queen Astrid Memorial, Royal memorial in Laeken, Belgium.
The Queen Astrid Memorial is a commemorative structure in Laeken featuring a natural stone colonnade arranged in a U-shape that frames a rotunda holding the queen's statue. The design combines open galleries with a central chamber where the statue becomes the focal point.
The memorial opened in 1938 as a tribute to Queen Astrid, who died in a car accident in 1935. Architect Paul Bonduelle designed this neoclassical structure to honor the late monarch.
The commemorative plaques inside are written in Dutch and French, showing how important the queen was to both language communities in Belgium. Visitors can read these personal inscriptions and understand what she meant to Belgian society.
The memorial sits at the northern end of Square du 21 Juillet where Avenue du Parc Royal meets Rue des Vignes. The location is easy to find since it stands at a major street intersection in Laeken.
The colonnade roof is covered with copper that has developed a light green patina over time, giving the structure a distinctive appearance. The coffered ceilings inside display a stylized monogram of the queen surrounded by rose motifs, serving as a personal artistic embellishment.
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