Pass through a large triumphal arch to a tranquil park that also houses classic cars, military history and sprawling gardens.
Jubilee Park, or Parc du Cinquantenaire, is a national monument as well as an urban park. The sprawling 30-hectare (74-acre) park was constructed under the rule of King Leopold II to mark the 50th anniversary of Belgian independence. An epic arch sits among the park’s rambling promenades and manicured lawns as the centerpiece, embracing you as you enter the park. Jubilee Park houses three museums and is as popular with locals as it is with tourists. Enjoy it as a great place to relax after a long day of sightseeing.
The south wing of the complex is home to Autoworld, one of the most thorough car museums in Europe. Gaze at over 400 vehicles that date back to 1886. Dream of a different life as you walk past luxury cars from yesteryear. A clockwise loop through the museum provides a journey through time, beginning with horse-drawn carts and ending with a symbolic blank space for “the future.” In the second half of the south wing you’ll find the Cinquantenaire Art Museum, which includes the Museum for the Blind, a sensory experience that allows visually impaired visitors to experience works of art through touch.
The northern wing of the complex houses the Royal Military Museum. Walk through Belgium’s military history as you discover F-16 fighter planes and 19th-century military relics. Climb the stairs leading from the museum to reach the top of the park’s arch. Admire views across Brussels’ European Quarter.
Relax in the company of locals as you enjoy a walk through the shady park or bring a picnic to enjoy on the lawn. The fountain in the foreground of the arch is a popular site for a photo opportunity, offering a beautiful vista of the arch and the park’s shady glades.
Jubilee Park is located in the European Quarter of Brussels and can be reached by car or metro. There is some paid street parking in the area. The park is open daily. While there is no fee, the museums do charge for entry.
