"Park of the Cinquantenaire/Jubelpark" Etterbeek Travelogue by ptitetoile

This park is situated on a site formely used for military manoeuvres.
It was created in 1880 for the National Fair held for the fiftieth anniversary of Belgiums independency. The idea of the architect, Gedeon Bordiau, was to create a flat surface between the Royal Parc and the Castle of Tervuren.

In 1897, for the International Fair, halls (whose metal structures reflect the technology of this time) were added to the existings stone buildings. These buildings host the Museum of Fine Arts and History, the Royal Museum for Army and Military History and Autoworld, the vehicle museum.

For the 75 years of Belgium, a triple triumphal arcade (Louis XVI style) was erected between 1904 and 1905 in accordance to the wishes of the second King of Belgium, Leopold II, who wanted to give to his country the image of a european powerful nation that it became during his reign (partially thanks to the Congo colony).

Above the arcade : a quadrige : the "Brabant levant le drapeau national" .

The parc features several other monuments and statues, for example the Pavillon of Human Passions, a work by Victor Horta.

There is also a little tower, realised to show the architectonic qualities of the stone from Tournai.

There is also a little tower, realised to show the architectonic qualities of the stone from Tournai. For me, it looks like a fairy tale tower :-)

Now the Cinquantenaire is a very pleasant park with a quite large grass area where you can relax or have fun with friends.
Now that the nice days are approaching : Sunbathing... readind, playing football, ....

The grass is ideal for all sports :-)