Aperçu

The project to build a religious edifice on this site was the initiative of Leopold II, the builder king. The sovereign wanted a building that would surpass the Sacré-Cœur in Paris, and submitted his project to the State, which refused to release the funds. Leopold II then turned to the Church, but it was not until 1905 that the foundation stone for the basilica was laid to mark Belgium’s 75th birthday. Work was soon interrupted by the First World War and not resumed until 1930. Ghent architect Albert Van huffel was commissioned and presented a new plan. His pupil and successor, Paul Rome, continued the work, and, although unfinished, the basilica was consecrated in 1951. A manifesto of religious Art Deco, the building boasts interior volumes of remarkable proportions. Against the apse stands a large Christ representing the Sacred Heart by Georges Minne, while the carved ensemble over the high altar is by Harry Elström. The sculptures are enhanced by the golden-yellow terracotta covering the walls. The stained glass windows in the nave are by Anto Carte, and the silverware by Colruyt, Devroye and Holemans. A large modern-style organ with exposed pipes, built by the firm Joseph Loncke et Fils, stands on the gallery opposite the central rood screen. Every element contributes to making this building a model of Art Deco. The Basilica is freely accessible. Guided tours are also available subject to reservation. The 60-minute tours, organised in collaboration with Bruxelles Bavard (FR) and Korei Guided Tours (NL/EN), explore the history and architecture of the Basilica. These tours, which focus on the interior of the building, reveal its monumental proportions, precious materials, stained glass windows and liturgical furnishings (access to the panoramic viewpoint not included). The 90-minute tours, offered by the Friends of the Basilica asbl, offer a more extensive itinerary, including several areas not usually visited by the public. The Black Sisters Museum presents a remarkable collection of Brussels and Flemish objects, furniture, sculptures, crockery and lace from a former Brussels convent. The Modern Religious Art Museum, meanwhile, features a selection of works from the Bruges diocese, a combination of 20th-century paintings and sculptures. These tours also include an ascent to the panoramic viewpoint, 53 m high, offering spectacular views of Brussels and the surrounding area. Access to the building and the tours through door 6. As part of the Heritage Days, Etterbeek’s Renovitro workshops will also be present on the first floor of the Basilica. Mr Renaud Chapelle, a specialist craftsman who has restored several of the building’s oldest stained glass windows, will be offering demonstrations throughout the weekend, on Saturday and Sunday from 1.30 to 5.00 pm. This is a valuable opportunity for families and enthusiasts to discover the art of stained glass restoration up close.

Practical information

Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00

parvis de la Basilique 1, 1083 Ganshoren

Accessible sans réservation. Réservation indispensable pour les visites guidées.

Accessible with assistance

Bookings

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

Saturday 20/09/25 Select your time slot

• 13:15 > 14:15 FR 0 pl.
• 13:15 > 14:15 EN 9 pl.
• 14:15 > 15:45 NL 3 pl.
• 14:30 > 15:30 FR 0 pl.
• 15:00 > 16:00 NL 4 pl.
• 15:45 > 16:45 FR 0 pl.
• 16:00 > 17:30 FR 0 pl.
• 16:15 > 17:15 EN 2 pl.

Sunday 21/09/25 Select your time slot

• 13:15 > 14:15 FR 0 pl.
• 13:15 > 14:15 EN 7 pl.
• 14:15 > 15:45 NL 6 pl.
• 14:30 > 15:30 FR 0 pl.
• 15:00 > 16:00 NL 12 pl.
• 15:45 > 16:45 FR 0 pl.
• 16:00 > 17:30 FR 0 pl.
• 16:15 > 17:15 EN 0 pl.

Address
parvis de la Basilique 1, 1083 Ganshoren