Royal Observatory of Belgium

The urbanisation of the Observatory district began between 1870 and 1914. At that time, the houses that were built in the area were mainly holiday homes. The new Observatory of Belgium, at the centre of this area, replaced an earlier first institute built in 1826 at the entrance to Schaerbeek. It is unique in that it brings together astronomy, meteorology and, since 1964, space aeronomy on one and the same site. The first buildings erected around the main lawn were inspired by Italian Renaissance architecture. The administration building (1883-1885), facing the entrance, was extended with galleries that give access to the library on the left (1886) and to the offices of the Royal Meteorological Institute (RMI) on the right. The scientific facilities are scattered throughout the park. Some open days allow visitors to explore the site from the inside. The airy, green and quiet neighbourhood is a pleasant place to walk through. Look out for the beautiful façades of the surrounding houses behind the green curtains.

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