Porte D. – Deur D. Sculpture

Here stands the Porte D – Deur D sculpture. It’s a bronze artwork created by Lea Mayer. The sculpture is located in a triangular plaza. The plaza is paved with Portuguese mosaic tiles. Surrounding the sculpture are benches made of blue stone. This is a tribute to the Portuguese writer and poet Fernando Pessoa. The artist who created this artwork is Lea Mayer. The sculpture stands proudly in its small plaza. It’s a testament to the strong Portuguese community in Ixelles. The community settled in this area beginning in the late 1960s. Many Portuguese businesses and associations remain here. In 1988 the centennial of Pessoa’s birth was celebrated. Different associations contacted Ixelles authorities. They wanted to erect a monument to Pessoa. The monument was a gift. It came from the Eng. Antonio de Almeida Porto Foundation. The Ambassador of Portugal and the mayor inaugurated the sculpture. The inauguration took place on June 10 1989. It was Portugal’s national day. The mosaic in the plaza was created by a team of pavers. They traveled specifically from Portugal for this project. The inscription on the sculpture’s base reads “My fatherland is the Portuguese language”. This is written in both French and Dutch. The base also shows the name of the foundation that provided the sculpture. It’s a powerful symbol. It represents the enduring legacy of Fernando Pessoa and his native tongue. The Porte D – Deur D sculpture is more than just a statue. It’s a story in bronze and mosaic. It’s a story etched in stone and a testament to cultural pride. It silently tells the tales of immigration perseverance and cultural preservation. It reminds us of the enduring power of language and heritage. Take a moment to appreciate this hidden gem. The Porte D – Deur D sculpture. It awaits your discovery.