A majestic building stands before you. This is the Ancienne maison communale de Laeken the old town hall of Laeken. Its red brick facade and Euville stone accents gleam in the sunlight.
Built between 1907 and 1912 this impressive structure is a testament to the neo-Flemish Renaissance style. The central belfry tower dominates the skyline. Notice the allegorical statues flanking the building. They are the work of the Laeken artist Mathieu Desmaré. He also created the bronze sculptures inside The Family and The Engaged Couple. His Family sculpture even won him the prestigious Prix de Rome.
The town hall’s history is intertwined with that of Laeken itself. Originally planned for the Strijderssquare King Leopold II intervened. He changed the location to its present site at the Emile Bockstaelplein. This decision reflected the King’s influence over Laeken’s development.
The construction cost a hefty 1.5 million francs a considerable sum at the time. It served as Laeken’s town hall until 1921. That year Laeken was annexed by Brussels. The building then became a municipal annex. It housed various services a school a library and even a police station.
An interesting detail the town hall’s ticket hall was recently restored. In 2010-11 it was returned to its former glory. Now the public can once again appreciate its grandeur. It is surrounded by interior balconies stretching over two floors and is illuminated by a large rectangular skylight.
The Ancienne maison communale de Laeken is more than a building. It is a living monument to Laeken’s past. It stands as a reminder of the town’s unique history and its eventual integration into Brussels. It’s a silent witness to centuries of change. A building that whispers stories of kings artists and ordinary citizens.