King Leopold II’s Legacy. That’s the Jardin du Roi Koningstuin in a nutshell. Right here before us stands a testament to his vision. A green oasis amidst Brussels’ urban sprawl.
The Jardin du Roi Koningstuin isn’t just a pretty park. It’s a piece of Brussels history. King Leopold II himself purchased the land in 1873. His goal was to create a beautiful public space. A link between Avenue Louise and the Ixelles Ponds. He personally oversaw its creation. The park opened in 1876.
Victor Besme designed the park. He was the inspector of roads for the outskirts of Brussels. Besme’s initial plan also included a Palace of Fine Arts. That part of the project never materialized. The Jardin du Roi remains though.
Leopold II’s personal touch extends beyond the initial design. He covered the costs of creating and maintaining the Jardin du Roi. In 1900 he donated it to the Belgian state. The park’s name Jardin du Roi reflects its royal origins. The official name Jardin du Roi was decided in 1969.
The Jardin du Roi underwent a significant renovation. This happened around the 1960s. The original design included decorative flower beds. These were replaced with spacious lawns. Recreational areas were added. This makes the space more welcoming and family friendly.
Notice the central lawn. This main area stretches from Avenue Louise towards the Ixelles Ponds. Two circular flowerbeds flank the central lawn. They are enclosed by hornbeam hedges. Each flowerbed features a playground.
Several sculptures add to the park’s charm. The statue of Leopold II is a prominent feature. It’s situated along the central axis. The inscription on the statue’s base reads: “He created this garden and donated it for our rest and our joy”.
Other notable sculptures include ‘Mort d’Ompdrailles’. This bronze sculpture is a tribute to the French writer Leon Cladel. There is also a bust of Alphonse Renard. He was a geologist who died in Ixelles in 1903. All the sculptures align perfectly. They extend from the Avenue Louise roundabout down to Renard’s bust.
The Jardin du Roi boasts century-old plane trees. A variety of other trees are also found here. This includes cherry trees hickories a yellow chestnut tree and more.
So take a moment to appreciate the Jardin du Roi Koningstuin. It is more than just a park. It’s a beautiful historical site. It’s a green haven built by a king’s vision and generosity. Enjoy your time here.