Constructed in: 1905
Typology: monument
Architect: C. Girault
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The Triumphal Arch of the Cinquantenaire in #Brussel was commissioned by King Leopold II to celebrate Belgium's 50th anniversary of independence in 1880. Initially, a single arch was constructed from plaster and wood due to financial constraints. For the 75th anniversary in 1905, the arch was rebuilt in stone and expanded into a monumental triple arch designed by French architect Charles Girault. The central arch is crowned with a bronze quadriga sculpture symbolizing Brabant raising the national flag, created by Thomas Vinçotte and Jules Lagae. The arch is flanked by colonnades leading to exhibition halls, now housing museums. The Cinquantenaire complex, including the arch, was part of Leopold II's extensive urban development projects in Brussels.
