Behind the scenes at Brussels Central Station

Brussels Central is now the busiest station in the country, but the building is the result of an exceptionally long and complex history. The plans date back to 1910 and were drawn up by none other than Victor Horta. The station was the key component of the North-South connection that was intended to rationalize rail traffic through the city. The station was located in the densely built-up heart of the city and required extensive expropriations and demolition work. It was not until 1952, after decades of discussion, stagnation, and a world war, that the station was officially inaugurated.

After Horta's death, the project was further developed by Maxime Brunfaut, who adapted the design to the post-war context and the international architectural language of his time. The station is in keeping with other public buildings from that period and shows clear similarities with Horta's Palace of Fine Arts. The interior was given a monumental finish in travertine and was conceived as more than just a transit space: with a spacious ticket hall, a station buffet, and even a royal salon, the station reflected the urban ambitions of the 1950s. It played an important representative role during Expo 58.

This tour allows you to experience Brussels Central Station beyond the daily flow of travelers. We visit parts of the station that are normally closed to the public and tell the story behind the scenes of this complex building. We also place the station in its urban context and reflect on the profound impact of the North-South connection on the surrounding neighborhood. This allows Brussels Central Station to be understood as a hub of mobility, architecture, and urban development.