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Brussels: Leopold and Jubel Park
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Leopold Park and Jubel Park is a magnificent part of Brussels offering many attractions off the tourist track
In the European quarter and just beyond, in Jubel Park, culture-minded tourists are sure to find something to their liking. The Natural Science Museum (very child-friendly), the Wiertz Museum, the Army Museum, Autoworld and the Jubel Park Museum provide a highly varied mix of culture, science and history.
Be certain to set aside a full day for a walk around the European quarter and Jubel Park. Start with Leopold Park. To do this, take the metro and step off at SCHUMAN or the LEOPOLD train station. If you arrive by train you will already have a sense of the European quarter: glass and concrete.
Go to Leopold Park first. Not for the park itself, but for the European Parliament. Visits are restricted to groups only. Individual visits to all the European institutions are allowed on a Saturday in May. We will keep you up to date in our newsletter.
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Museum of Natural Science
The Museum of Natural Science is situated in Leopold Park, but can be reached via Vautierstraat. A very interesting museum for young and old, with much more than just skeletons of dinosaurs and whales. There are always alternating exhibitions, which employ the most modern multimedia techniques.
Wiertz Museum
The Wiertz Museum is on the same street. Antoine Wiertz lived and worked here in the first half of the 19th century. He was a painter during the transition period to modern art.
Go back to Belliardstraat and turn right into Jubel Park.
Jubel Park and its museums
The complex of buildings in his park was commissioned by Leopold II to celebrate 50 years of independence. However the triumphal arch dates from the early 20th century and the original buildings have been modernised and extended. There are three museums.
Entry to the triumphal arch via the square:
---> Army Museum of Royal Arm Museum. You may not have much interest in the many uniforms and weapons, but the room with the airplanes will most likely grab your attention. Entrance is free.
---> Autoworld exhibits Mahy’s private collection of vintage cars. Not only does the museum give an overview of car history in Belgium and the rest of the world; it also contains unique examples. The enormous hall makes for a calm and peaceful visit, and there is also a cafeteria.
Access via the side of the complex:
The Jubel Park Museum or the Museum of Art and History. This is a large and important museum, which traces the history of mankind through all kinds of objects. It is home to some unique pieces, from 2000 years ago to the last century. It also hosts temporary exhibitions.
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Picture: © iStockphoto.com/Franky De Meyer
Text: GVDV/RD - © AT-Europe bvba
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