Palais du Centenaire

The construction of the Brussels Exhibition Centre began in 1931 to prepare for the 1935 Brussels International Exposition, celebrating 100 years of Belgian independence. Led by architect Joseph Van Neck and engineer Louis Baes, work officially started in September 1933 and was completed within 17 months. Among the five initial halls, Palais 5, also known as the Centenary Palace, remains in use today. Dedicated to the exposition's main theme of transport, the building was decorated by Égide Rombaux, professor at the Brussels Academy of Fine Arts, who, with his students, created 18 sculptures symbolizing the kingdom's national activities. The main façade features four monumental gilded bronze statues, representing navigation (by Adolphe Wansart), steam traction (by Marnix d’Haveloose), horse traction (by Jacques Marin), and aviation (by Ernest Wynants).