Completed from 1818 to 1820 the Boulevard du Jardin Botanique is one of Brussels’ oldest boulevards. Initially named Boulevard de Schaerbeek it honored the Schaerbeek Gate. This gate stood at the boulevard’s top in Saint-Josse-ten-Noode. The name later changed to reflect the Botanical Garden of Brussels. This garden opened in 1826 featuring designs by Tilman-Francois Suys and Charles-Henri Petersen. Its greenhouses aquarium and gardens opened in 1829. The high gate of the Botanical Garden opened onto Rue Royale.
The Boulevard du Jardin Botanique wasn’t just about plants. In 1838 the Clinique Saint-Jean a medical facility opened across from the Botanical Garden. It was completed in 1843. Ten years later the Provincial Ophthalmic Institute of Brabant also opened on the boulevard. These institutions added a different dimension to this vibrant area.
By 1842 the Boulevard du Jardin Botanique had a population of 194 people. This shows how even early on the area attracted residents and businesses. The intersection of Rue Neuve and the Boulevard du Jardin Botanique is now Place Charles Rogier. This square adds another layer to the history of this bustling boulevard.
The Boulevard du Jardin Botanique is more than a road. It is a timeline of Brussels’ history. It showcases the city’s evolution from its early boulevards to its modern cityscape. From its scientific beginnings to its present-day vibrancy the boulevard has always been at the heart of Brussels. Walk along its length and you will feel the city’s pulse its history echoing in every stone. The Boulevard du Jardin Botanique. A place where the past meets the present. A place where the city’s growth is evident. A place worth exploring.