Attraction
Grand-Place
Brussels' central market square, rebuilt after the 1695 bombardment, framed by the Gothic Town Hall and ornate guildhalls and listed by UNESCO in 1998.
Parc du Cinquantenaire
A 30-hectare park created for Belgium's 50th anniversary in 1880, crowned by a triumphal arch and home to three major museums.
At a glance
- Type
- Park and monumental complex
- Area
- European Quarter (Etterbeek), Brussels, Belgium
Good to know
- Free entry
- Museums on site
- Triumphal arch with terraces
- Lawns and paths
Why we recommend it
The Parc du Cinquantenaire, also known by its Dutch name Jubelpark, was laid out for the National Exhibition of 1880, which marked the 50th anniversary of Belgian independence. Its centrepiece is the monumental triumphal arch, completed in May 1905 and inaugurated on 27 September that year. The arch rises 45 metres and is topped by a bronze quadriga by Thomas Vinçotte, Brabant Raising the National Flag. After the original architect Gédéon Bordiau died in 1904, Charles Girault revised the design while keeping the quadriga.
The 30-hectare park is one of the largest green spaces near the centre, with formal avenues, lawns and tree-lined paths that make it a favourite with local joggers and families. The great halls on either side of the arch house three museums: the Art & History Museum in the southern half, the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History in the northern half, and Autoworld, the car museum, in the South Hall since 1986. A spiral staircase, now complemented by a lift, leads to an exhibition room under the quadriga and to two terraces with wide views across the city.
In the north-western corner are two other notable buildings. The Great Mosque of Brussels was inaugurated in 1978. Nearby stands the Temple of Human Passions, a pavilion built between 1891 and 1897 to a design by Victor Horta, early in his career.
The park suits everyone, and walking through it costs nothing. In fine weather bring a picnic; on wet days, the museums provide plenty of shelter. If you want to climb to the terraces of the arch, check the access arrangements and hours on the day, as they depend on the museums. Allow an hour for a stroll and photographs, and add two hours or more for each museum you visit.
The park lies at the eastern end of the European Quarter. Schuman metro station is just to the west, close to the Berlaymont, and Merode station is immediately to the east. The House of European History and Parc Léopold are a short walk away, so the two parks combine well on a day in this part of the city.
Parc du Cinquantenaire FAQs
Is the park free?
Yes. The park is a public space and free to enter.
When was it created?
It was laid out for the National Exhibition of 1880, marking 50 years of Belgian independence.
How tall is the arch?
The triumphal arch is 45 metres high and was inaugurated in 1905.
Can you go to the top of the arch?
Yes. A staircase and lift lead to an exhibition room under the quadriga and two terraces; check access arrangements on the day.
Which museums are in the park?
The Art & History Museum, the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History, and Autoworld.
How do I get there?
Schuman metro station is just west of the park and Merode station is immediately east.
Is it good for children?
Yes. The lawns and paths are popular with families, and Autoworld and the military museum appeal to many children.
What else is in the park?
The Great Mosque of Brussels and Horta's Temple of Human Passions are in the north-western corner.