Brussels Balancing Heritage & Sustainability

Brussels, the vibrant capital of Belgium, boasts a rich history, art, and culture, exemplified by its stunning castles, street art, quirky peeing statues, and the futuristic Atomium. Basking in the glory of its legacy, the city is now focusing on ‘green’ development.

Brussels is indeed the political capital of Europe today, but the city was not as important as it is now until it became a strategic commercial hub in the 10th century. It became politically significant after the Belgian Revolution in the early 19th century. Belgium declared independence on October 4, 1830, and in 1831, Leopold I was crowned the first King of the Belgians, with Brussels chosen as the nation’s capital. As Belgium approaches its 200th anniversary of independence in 2030, the city’s journey from a commercial centre to a political powerhouse is evidence of its continuing importance in Europe.

Brussels has grown throughout the centuries, except during World War I and II, when German troops occupied the city. The city’s importance is visible as it was chosen as the home of three World Fairs: the first in 1897, then in 1910, and lastly in 1958. During the last Expo, the Atomium was built, which, along with Manneken Pis, has become one of the main symbols of Brussels.

Brussels is home to the European Parliament, the European Commission, and the European Council. Moreover, it is also the seat of NATO and has become an arbiter between the irreconcilable Flanders region—consisting of the Dutch-speaking or Flemish community—and Wallonia—the French-speaking community.

Brussels’ Popularity

Brussels has much to offer visitors. It has a wealth of culture, art, heritage, and beautiful architecture all around. Cities often get embedded in our visual memory through unique, iconic places or things. For Brussels, it has been Manneken Pis—the famous peeing statue of a young boy. Situated just a stone’s throw from the Grand Place, the statuette, made by Jérôme Duquesnoy l’Ancien in 1619, was a simple decoration adorning one of the many fountains in the Middle Ages. He has gone from being a public fountain to a legendary figure. According to the official city website, “he embodies the rebellious yet modest spirit that reigns in Brussels.”

With over 1,000 outfits in its wardrobe—some of which are gifts from political figures—the statue dons these costumes on special occasions. Visitors can explore this extensive collection at the GardeRobe MannekenPis, a museum opened in 2017. Another story is that the original statue has been stolen, recovered, vandalised, and repaired several times. Today, the original statue is safely stored in the Brussels City Museum, with a replica standing in its place.

Installed in 1987, Jeanneke Pis is a modern counterpart to Manneken Pis. This 50-centimetre statue of a little girl squatting and urinating is tucked away in a small niche on Impasse de la Fidélité, near the Delirium Café. Created by Denis-Adrien Debouvrie, Jeanneke Pis symbolises gender equality, humorously balancing the scales with her male counterpart.

The third member of this whimsical trio is Zinneke Pis, a bronze statue of a dog lifting its leg to urinate. Added in 1998 by artist Tom Frantzen, Zinneke Pis embodies the playful and inclusive nature of Brussels, celebrating the city’s love for its pets and adding a touch of humour to its
public art.

Brussels isn’t just a feast for the eyes of tourists. It’s a paradise for food lovers, too. Indulge in the city’s world-renowned draft beer, savour the crisp perfection of Belgian fries, delight in the decadent taste of authentic Belgian chocolates, and don’t miss out on the iconic waffles that are as much a symbol of the city as its monuments. In Brussels, every corner offers a new experience, making it a city that promises to captivate and enchant both history buffs and food lovers alike.

Green Development

Like any other progressive city, Brussels is continuously developing new infrastructure and improving services for its residents. The good news is that the focus is on building green infrastructure. Priority is given to active transport like cycling and walking. The new projects underway or recently completed are proof of this trend.

According to the Brussels city government, the Schuman roundabout, an emblematic site in the European Quarter currently clogged with car traffic, will become a pedestrian promenade linking Cinquantenaire Park and Rue de la Loi. It has been redesigned to create a new living and passage space, turning this crossroads into a central pedestrian agora with a planted canopy for organising events. The district’s mobility plan will be adapted to make way for a zone reserved for active modes of transport.

With Belgium’s bicentenary approaching in 2030, the historic Cinquantenaire Park (also known as Jubelpark) is undergoing a remarkable transformation. This emblematic park is poised to become a major cultural and social hub for the country. Designed by architect Gédéon Bordiau, the Peristyle du Cinquantenaire stands as a neoclassical marvel completed in 1905. Its majestic Corinthian columns frame the monumental entrance to Parc du Cinquantenaire. Above, the hemicycle boasts remarkable mosaics—a tribute to the sacrifices of the First World War—crafted by six artists between 1920 and 1930. Within the park’s arcades, four institutions—the Army Museum, the Art and History Museum, the Royal Institute for Artistic Heritage, and Autoworld—will be reimagined. They will split into two distinct poles: one dedicated to preserving heritage, the other to fostering innovation. This transformation aims to bridge the gap between tradition and progress, art and science.

In another project, the intersection of Rue Albert De Meyer and Rue Pannenhuys, currently a nondescript grey traffic island, is about to undergo a remarkable metamorphosis. The emphasis is on creating a pleasant meeting place with as much greenery as possible and water infiltration. Currently, only 0.8% of the surface is permeable. The project plans for a total of 204.6m² of softening, an increase of 34% compared with the current state. The city is implementing several other projects to ensure a harmonious blend of nature and urban life—a testament to sustainable city planning.

Public Consultation is Supreme

Public consultation holds significance in the planning and approval of any project. Local and regional governments require thorough public consultation before granting permits. This process involves a public enquiry and the formation of a consultation committee. For public enquiries, posters are displayed in the neighbourhood for 30 days to announce the enquiry. During this period, everyone has the opportunity to comment on the plans and review the project file, either online or at the Urban Development Department.