“A bronze couple stands before us. Do you see them?” The Aux Promoteurs des Installations Maritimes – Aan de Ontwerpers der Zeehaveninrichtingen Statue. This isn’t just any statue. It tells a story of Brussels’ maritime ambition a saga of perseverance and progress.
Erected in 1912 this monument commemorates the creation of Brussels’ maritime installations. The bronze figures represent a pair of mariners. They stand proudly on a blue stone base. The inscription on the front reads “AUX PROMOTEURS DES INSTALLATIONS MARITIMES 1912”. The back proclaims “AAN DE ONTWERPERS DER ZEEHAVENINRICHTINGEN 1912”. This bilingual inscription reflects the multilingual nature of Brussels itself.
The story begins long before 1912. Brussels’ old canal and port were shallow and narrow. Only small boats could navigate them. The need to modernize became pressing in the early 19th century. Larger steam-powered boats were needed. They could transport far more goods. The modernization was difficult. The Scheldt River was closed after independence. Railways competed for investment. The government hesitated to fund improvements. Other port cities opposed the plans. All this delayed progress for a century.
A group called the Cercle des installations maritimes formed in 1881. Antoine Dansaert presided. Finally an agreement was signed in 1895. The city of Brussels the state the province of Brabant and surrounding towns contributed. The Société du canal et des installations maritimes de Bruxelles was created. The goal was to transform the canal. A new port accessible to ocean-going vessels would be built. Work began in 1900. The port gradually opened from 1907. The official inauguration was in 1922. World War I delayed the event.
Molenbeek-Saint-Jean ceded land. This land was needed for the new port’s infrastructure. The commune commissioned Auguste de Wever. He was a local sculptor and head of the municipal drawing school. The initial plan featured a worker couple symbolizing Labor and Perseverance. The design changed. The workers became mariners. The base grew larger. The final design was approved years later. De Wever sadly died before the 1912 inauguration.
The statue’s placement was significant. It stood at the entrance to the new Boulevard Léopold II. It faced Place Sainctelette and the canal. The old Willebroek Canal and the Charleroi Canal met there. It was a symbolic location.
The statue wasn’t immune to change. In 1957 it was moved due to preparations for Expo 58. It was also due to automobile expansion. The statue was moved to a quiet industrial zone. It remained there for 45 years. A petition led to its return in 2003 to its original location. This monument. This story. It’s a testament to Brussels’ enduring spirit.