Aperçu

Originally designed by architect Charles Girault, creator of the Cinquantenaire colonnade and the Tervueren Museum, Square du 21 juillet faces Notre-Dame de Laeken church and appears to be an extension of the royal estate. It was King Leopold II who ensured its development. In 1905, the existing slums were demolished and Rue des Vignes widened. In the 1930s, the square underwent a number of modifications, designed by René Pechère, and was endowed with a monument dedicated to Queen Astrid, proposed by architect Paul Bonduelle. Two colonnades converge on a central, open rotunda housing a full-length statue of the sovereign sculpted by Jan Boedts. The sovereign’s cypher, a stylised double A topped by a crown and decorated with ribbons and roses, enhances the coffered ceilings of the U-shaped colonnades. Classicist in style, this monument to monumental academicism illustrates one of the contemporary currents of Art Deco proper. The complex was inaugurated on 21 July 1938 and has retained its name ever since.

Practical information

Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00

square du 21 juillet, 1020 Brussels-Laeken

Advance booking not required.

Address
square du 21 juillet, 1020 Brussels-Laeken