Trace a wide curve. That’s the path of Avenue des Pagodes. This avenue in Laeken is a testament to Brussels’ rich history. It connects Croix du Feu Avenue and Meysse Avenue.
Avenue des Pagodes history began in 1913. Pierre Gillet planned it. He was the director of works. The initial name was Rue des Pagodes. This name honored the Chinese Pavilion and Japanese Tower.
World War I delayed the project. In 1925, it officially became Avenue des Pagodes. The final section opened in 1936. At the Jean de Bologne Avenue roundabout, you can find a relic. It is a World War II underground shelter. Now, it serves as an electrical cabinet.
Many buildings along Avenue des Pagodes are listed. They are part of Brussels’ architectural heritage. You’ll also find buildings belonging to the Pagodes school group.
The avenue’s development unfolded in stages. The first two sections were ready before World War I. Building construction started around 1924. Many houses from the 1920s remain. Numbers 406 to 414 showcase picturesque styles. They include Beaux-Arts and Art Deco influences.
In the 1930s, more houses and apartment buildings appeared. Most adopted the Art Deco style. Examples include numbers 97, 99, 343 and 386. The 1950s and 1960s saw even more construction. These included Belgian-style houses and modernist apartments.
At numbers 299 to 305, the Pagodes school group stands. It was formerly Primary School number 36. The main building was designed in 1976. It was designed by architects from the city’s Public Works Department.
Avenue des Pagodes is more than just a street. It’s a journey through time. It reflects Brussels’ architectural evolution. The avenue also reflects its cultural connections. Its name reminds us of the Far Eastern influence nearby. Take a stroll. Discover the layers of history embedded in this unique avenue.