The history of Brussels Central Railway Station reflects a long and complex development spanning nearly half a century. Architect Victor Horta was commissioned in 1910 to design the Central Station and an associated urban redevelopment. Construction began but was repeatedly delayed due to World War I, financial difficulties, and later World War II. Horta resumed work after the war but died in 1947, after which Maxime Brunfaut took over. The station was officially inaugurated on 4 October 1952, nearly 43 years after the project was first legislated.
The building's facade features nine glass windows symbolising the Belgian provinces at the time.
Brussels Central
Brussels Central facade and main entrance
The glass bricks in the ceiling of the station hall allow natural light to flow in. The fresco depicting St Michael above the entrance on Carrefour de l’Europe was created by Joseph Hayez.
Brussels Central. - station hall
Brussels Central - station hall
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