Overview

The Heysel Palace complex was designed between 1933 and 1935 by architect Joseph Van Neck for the 1935 Universal Exhibition. Now emblematic monuments in the capital, these buildings illustrate a classic Art Deco style. A Streamline Moderne-inspired administration building completes the picture, also featuring period interiors. In the past, a wide avenue bisected the site and ran up to the facade of the Palais du Centenaire. Today, the Atomium, built for the 1958 Universal Exhibition, has altered the original perspective, but the imposing facade of the main palace remains. According to the architect, the four monumental piers that punctuate the central section are reminiscent of the Congress Column. They support four allegorical sculptures, part of a cycle of 18 statues created under the guidance of Égide Rombaux, who entrusted the task to the best of his many pupils. They glorify the kingdom's activities during this economically prosperous period. Stepped structures on either side further enhance this powerful central section. While the exterior follows a fairly classic pattern, the interior is innovative in its use of concrete arches of an unprecedented scale. Thanks to engineer Louis Baes, at the time the palace boasted the world's largest concrete framework and the largest covered space in Belgium, with an exhibition area of 15,000 m2! At the time of the 1935 Universal Exhibition, almost 20 million visitors came to discover the Heysel site and its 182 buildings. Palaces 5 and 10 will be open to visitors. In collaboration with the non-profit organisation Laeken Découverte | Laken Onthuld.

Practical information

Saturday from 14:00 to 16:00 and Sunday from 10:00 to 12:00

Brussels Expo, place de Belgique 1, 1020 Brussels-Laeken

Advance booking required.

Bookings

Select the time slot that suits you and make your reservation online.

Saturday 20/09/25 Select your time slot

• 14:00 > 15:30 NL 6 pl.
• 14:30 > 16:00 FR 3 pl.

Sunday 21/09/25 Select your time slot

• 10:00 > 11:30 NL 17 pl.
• 10:30 > 12:00 FR 0 pl.

Address
Brussels Expo, place de Belgique 1, 1020 Brussels-Laeken