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Walks  - Districts for Europe

The Leopold Quarter and the European presence

The Leopold Quarter was built in the mid-19th century for the wealthy Brussels bourgeoisie who wished to escape from the cramped city centre. However, once they had cars, they moved out even further, to the green outskirts of the city, and their stately mansions were taken over by government departments, banks, insurance companies and multinationals. 

From 1958, the office buildings of the European institutions began to appear. Before the Covid pandemic, 100,000 people were working in an area of barely one square kilometre.

A new balance is now being sought for working, living and mobility after years of big, bold office blocks. Gaping wounds in the urban fabric are being filled in once more, and squares are being redesigned.

The tour also outlines the latest visions and developments: open building blocks, renovation rather than new-build, and a focus on sustainable mobility. Meanwhile, Europe has sold 23 of its buildings to the Belgian government. They are being repurposed.
What is the current state of play? Where is progress being made? What challenges remain?
Finally, during this walk through Brussels, you will also discover the timeless beauty of Leopold Park.


We took a closer look at the Leopold Quarter in our Image Bank project (2021).

Download the Do-It-Yourself Walking Tour in the Leopold Quarter



PRACTICAL INFORMATION  

Departure: Place du Trône, Place Schuman or Place Luxembourg; or possibly Parc du Cinquantenaire

Finish: somewhere in the district


Prices and practical details   

Booking

Connecting tips

European Parliament
House of European History
Parlamentarium
Museum of Natural Sciences 
Wiertz Museum and Citizens' Garden  
Museum of Art and History (KMKG-MRAH)
Army Museum  
Autoworld