If anybody asks you about the connection between Napoleon and Waterloo, chances are you could outline the major points. However, the relationship between the Emperor and Brussels, which is only 20km from Waterloo, is less well known. In this article, we’ll shed some light on this and explore the places that still bear witness to his presence in our capital.
A quick refresher...
On 18 June 1815, the Napoleonic Wars and Napoleon Bonaparte’s imperial ambitions came to an end following the Battle of Waterloo. Emperor Napoleon I dreamt of building a French empire that would dominate the whole of Europe. However, the victory of the allied army - comprising a significant number of European nations – over Napoleon’s forces at Waterloo put an end to his aspirations.
A quick reminder: Belgium, and, therefore, Brussels, remained under French rule from roughly 1794 to 1814. This brief period brought about numerous radical changes, the effects of which can still be felt today: administratively (territorial reorganisation), religiously (the suppression of ecclesiastical communities), judicially and legally (the reorganisation of the justice system and the introduction of the famous Civil Code), or even, for example, the initial dismantling of Brussels’ second city wall.
This chapter of history is still studied in great depth in schools today. It left a lasting impact not only on France but also on Brussels’ cultural and historical landscape. Let’s take a closer look.
Napoleon in the collections of Brussels museums
Even today, the iconic figure of Napoleon is present in the collections of remarkable buildings and major museums across Brussels.
Let’s start in the historical centre, within the corridors of the City of Brussels Town Hall, where you can admire a splendid portrait of Napoleon Bonaparte as First Consul, painted by Charles Meynier in 1804. Just opposite the town hall, also on the Grand-Place, the Maison du Roi houses portraits of Napoleon and his wife Joséphine, painted by Louis Dupré between 1796 and 1809. Not far from there, at the Théâtre Royal de Toone, you’ll find a puppet of a Napoleonic soldier.
The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium house a plaster bust of Napoleon by Charles-Louis Corbet, sculpted in 1804, as well as a chalk drawing by James Ensor from the early 20th century and the cast of a bust of Napoleon, made in 1902 from the original statue preserved in Tongeren.
In the European Quarter, within the new decorative arts rooms of the Art & History Museum, discover furniture used during the Duchess of Richmond’s ball on 15 June 1815 - on the eve of the Battle of Quatre Bras and just three days before the decisive Battle of Waterloo (this furniture will be on display from June 2025). The Duchess was the wife of Charles Lennox, who commanded the reserve troops tasked with defending Brussels in the event of a Napoleonic invasion. This prestigious ball was attended by many of Wellington’s senior officers.
The Royal Military Museum also displays an oil painting of Napoleon I in his coronation robes, by Anne-Louis Girodet around 1812. Finally, the House of European History examines Napoleon’s ambitions: was he a champion of liberty or a mere conqueror? The museum offers insightful perspectives on this tumultuous period, marking the end of the Ancien Régime and heralding modern democracies.
Did you know that Napoleon saved Laeken Castle?
Well, this statement might need a little nuance, but it’s not far from the truth. At the end of the 18th century, the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars plunged Europe into a period of austerity. Built between 1781 and 1785, Schonenberg Castle in Laeken was soon abandoned by its owners, Maria Christina of Austria and Albert of Saxe-Teschen, who ruled the region as Governors-General of the Austrian Netherlands. Following the annexation of the territory by France in 1794, the castle was left unmaintained and fell prey to looters.
A fervent advocate for the preservation of cultural heritage, Napoleon purchased the property in 1803, saving Laeken Castle from destruction right at the death. He undertook renovation work to transform it into a residence, where he stayed three times until 1810. Today, Laeken Castle serves as the official residence of the King of the Belgians.
With the same dedication to heritage, Napoleon also initiated the much-needed renovation of La Monnaie theatre, which had fallen into disrepair. Additionally, charmed by Brussels' Manneken-Pis, he awarded the statue the honorary title of Chamberlain - a rank traditionally given to nobles serving a king or prince. The famous Brussels ket (local lad) even owns several costumes from the First Empire era, which you can admire at the GardeRobe Manneken Pis.
© IOAN FLORIN CNEJEVICI
A stone’s throw from Brussels
The Wellington Museum & Waterloo 1815
If you want to learn more about the Battle of Waterloo and the Napoleonic era, head to Waterloo. The Wellington Museum presents an in-depth look at the political context of Europe before and after the battle, using authentic artefacts and documents to illustrate the course of events.
You can also visit the Waterloo 1815 Battlefield site, an impressive memorial and historical museum. Every year at the end of June, you can attend a spectacular re-enactment to mark the anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo.
Here’s one last anecdote!
To round off our exploration, here’s a curious fact to impress at your next family gathering: Napoleon’s youngest goddaughter is buried at the Brussels Cemetery in Evere! The grave of Joséphine Napoléone de Montholon - born on the island of Saint Helena and deceased in Brussels in 1819 - is still regularly adorned with flowers by admirers of the Emperor. Many believe the young girl was, in fact, Napoleon’s secret daughter. At the time, rumours circulated about an affair between Napoleon and Countess Albine, Joséphine’s mother. However, to this day, no concrete evidence has ever confirmed this intriguing tale.
