Parc du Cinquantenaire, also called Jubelpark, is a large public park in Brussels’s European Quarter. Its gardens and lawns spread around a monumental triple arch, with museum buildings along the grounds. Look up at the bronze horse-drawn chariot above the arch, then walk the long esplanade or settle in for a picnic. The Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History, the Art & History Museum and Autoworld are here too, so you can pair time outdoors with a museum visit.
A park built for an anniversary
Parc du Cinquantenaire, known in Dutch as Jubelpark, was laid out in 1880 to mark the fiftieth anniversary of Belgium’s independence. The project continued beyond its opening and was still developing into the twentieth century. The park sits at the eastern end of Brussels’s European Quarter and covers about 30 hectares.
Its name refers to the anniversary it commemorates. The monumental arch and the surrounding gardens give the site its distinctive layout: broad open spaces lead toward the central arcade, while museum buildings stand on either side. The park remains a public place for walks, exercise and time outdoors as well as a setting for monuments and museums.
Look up at the arcade
The main landmark is the triple triumphal arch, also called the Arcades du Cinquantenaire. A bronze chariot crowns the structure; its sculptural group represents Brabant raising the national flag. The arch was planned for the 1880 world exhibition, but was completed in 1905, in time for the country’s seventy-fifth anniversary celebrations.
Walk beneath the arches and take in the long esplanade and the formal garden layout. The lawns and paths offer room to pause, and the arch makes a clear focal point from across the grounds. The park’s scale also suits a longer stroll: it is large enough to combine a loop through the gardens with time at the museums.
Museums around the gardens
Three museums sit within the park’s architectural complex: the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History, the Art & History Museum and Autoworld. Autoworld occupies the northern building, while the Military Museum faces it across the gardens. The Art & History Museum is set around the back of Autoworld, so allow time to find it if you are visiting all three.
The museum collections cover different interests, from military history and art to vintage cars. The Military Museum also provides access to the top of the arch, where the view takes in the European Quarter. Museum visits can turn a short park stop into a much longer outing, so plan accordingly if you want to see more than one.
A place to walk, picnic and gather
The park’s open lawns and paths suit a range of visits, from a brief walk to an outdoor break with children. There are playground facilities, sports areas and picnic tables, as well as space to spread out on the grass. The gardens and monumental buildings also make the park a popular setting for photographs.
Events take place in the grounds during the year, including public celebrations and performances. In warmer weather, the gardens are in bloom and the lawns are used for picnics. At sunset, the open view across the park and the arch gives the grounds a different character. Check for current event information if a particular visit date matters to your plans.
Perguntas frequentes
Is Parc du Cinquantenaire free to enter?
The park is a public space, and the grounds are free to visit. Museum admission is separate.
How long should I spend at Parc du Cinquantenaire?
Allow a couple of hours for a walk and time outdoors. Add more time if you plan to visit the museums.
Which museums are in Parc du Cinquantenaire?
The park is home to the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History, the Art & History Museum and Autoworld.
Can you go to the top of the Cinquantenaire Arch?
Access to the top is through the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History. Check access before setting out specifically for the view.
