Stage 2

From the 20th to the 21st century

Modernism, postmodernism & new constructions

After passing the Congrès column (which houses the tomb of the unknown soldier), make your way to 15-17 Place Surlet Chockier (on the way, why not enjoy a little coffee break on the attractive Place de la Liberté?). This postmodernist building dating from 1992 houses the government of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. It is the work of the Atelier d’Architecture de Genval architecture studio.

In a decidedly more contemporary style, check out the MeetDistrict Spectrum, a passive building by Jaspers-Eyers that opened at 12 Boulevard Bischoffsheim in 2019. Cross the boulevard to admire the Astro Tower and its white vertical stripes, designed by Albert De Doncker in 1976 and renovated between 2014 and 2016. On your way to the Madou Tower, make a brief detour to 41 rue Scailquin and you’ll see the Marignan project (named after the old cinema that used to be there) which is about to become a cultural centre. For the moment, the project, managed by Manger Nielsen Architects, is still under construction but its singular nature is already worth the detour!

Now back to the Madou Tower. Built between 1963 and 1965 based on plans by Robert Goffaux, it was renovated between 2002 and 2003 and now accommodates offices of the European Commission.

From there, you can use Madou metro station to get to Porte de Namur. Take exit number 6 to the new Axa Insurance headquarters, inaugurated in 2017 and designed by A2RC Architects. It’s an imposing construction that combines two existing buildings linked by a new construction; the structure as a whole is harmonised by a metallic exoskeleton. It’s also very beautiful at night. Jump back in time to post-war modernism with the imposing Marnix building, constructed in the late 1950s. It’s one of the few European projects of American Gordon Bunshaft. The building is also known for being lit up at night.