Perhaps it’s the grand architecture that first grabs your attention here on Avenue Franklin Roosevelt. This is one of Brussels’ most beautiful avenues. Let’s explore its story.
The Avenue Franklin Roosevelt is a major road in Brussels. It’s found in the southern part of the city. The avenue runs near the border with Ixelles. Here it parallels the Bois de la Cambre.
The Avenue Franklin Roosevelt got its name from the 32nd president of the United States. He was Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The avenue’s history is quite interesting. It was laid out in 1922. This was according to the wishes of King Leopold II. The location was formerly the site of the Brussels International Exposition of 1910.
Construction of the avenue took place during the interwar period. Before 1945, it had a different name. It was called the Avenue des Nations. After the war, the city renamed it Avenue Franklin Roosevelt. This honored the American president.
Despite Brussels’ city planning changes after World War II, the Avenue Franklin Roosevelt has remained largely unchanged. Many of its buildings are well preserved. Some are even classified as historic monuments.
The Avenue Franklin Roosevelt features diverse architectural styles. You’ll see Art Nouveau, Art Deco, modernist, and eclectic designs. The Solbosch campus of the Université libre de Bruxelles is also located here. This is a French-speaking university with many students.
Several notable buildings line the Avenue Franklin Roosevelt. Number 52 is the Blomme House. Adrien Blomme designed this modernist house in 1928 for his own use. The entrance features bas-reliefs by Ossip Zadkine. Villa Bernheim is at number 65. It was once the home of Émile Bernheim. He was the former President of the group À l’Innovation. Today, it is an art gallery.
Villa Empain is another highlight at number 67. Michel Polak designed this Art Deco house between 1930 and 1934. It’s now home to the Boghossian Foundation. Delune House is at number 86. Léon Delune designed this eclectic building in 1904. It combines Art Nouveau with Byzantine influences. You can also see the Art Deco apartment building at number 110. Antoine Varlet designed it in 1931.
Many embassies are located on Avenue Franklin Roosevelt. These represent various nations in Brussels. The avenue stretches from the City of Brussels towards Watermael-Boitsfort. So as you stroll along the Avenue Franklin Roosevelt, take in the blend of history, architecture, and international presence. It’s a unique and beautiful part of Brussels.