Brussels-Luxembourg Railway Station (former building) in Brussels (Belgium)

Description

Location: Brussels, Belgium
Taken on: November 13, 2022
Format: JPEG
File size: 6 MB
Dimensions: 4000 x 3000 pixels
DPI: 300
Photographer: Andrey Kashukov, Cyprus

Photo can be used in posters, brochures, magazines, websites, blogs, business cards, applications, social media branding, packaging, postcards, notebooks, invitation backgrounds, flyers, banners, badges, stickers, collages, booklets, illustrations, etc.

Photo can be used in applications: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop Elements, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe XD, Adobe Express, Adobe After Effects, GIMP, Photopea, Krita, Pixlr E, Pixlr X, Paint.NET, Affinity Photo, Corel PaintShop Pro, CorelDRAW Graphics Suite, Capture One Pro, Luminar Neo, Pixelmator Pro, ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate, Affinity Designer, Procreate, Sketch, etc.

Brussels-Luxembourg Railway Station (former building)

Capture a piece of Brussels’ history with this striking photographic print of the former Brussels-Luxembourg Railway Station, taken on a crisp November day in 2022. This image showcases the magnificent neoclassical facade of this landmark building, now integrated into the European Parliament’s Espace Léopold complex.

The photograph emphasizes the architectural grandeur of the station, built between 1854 and 1855, with its imposing columns, detailed facade, and the distinctive dome topped by a clock and weather vane. These classic features evoke a sense of the city’s rich past and European sophistication. Originally named the Leopold Quarter railway station, it served as a vital transit point in Brussels.

While the train platforms are now located underground, this image captures the beauty of the original above-ground structure. In the foreground, subtle hints of city life—cars, a bus, and pedestrians—add scale and context. Overhead wires suggest the city’s modern infrastructure intertwined with its historical elements. The soft November light enhances the architectural details, creating a serene yet vibrant atmosphere.

Perfect for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates European elegance, this print adds a touch of historical grandeur to any space.

Key Features:

• Authentic Brussels Landmark: Captures the historical Brussels-Luxembourg Railway Station.
• Neoclassical Architecture: Highlights the impressive design of a significant Brussels building.
• Urban Details: Includes elements of city life that add depth and context.
• High-Quality Print: Produced to capture the intricate details and subtle lighting.
• Ideal for Home or Office: Adds European elegance and historical charm.

Product Details:

• Subject: Architecture, Cityscape, Brussels-Luxembourg Railway Station, Brussels, Belgium
• Alternative Names: Gare de Bruxelles-Luxembourg, Station Brussel-Luxemburg, Leopold Quarter railway station
• Style: Documentary, Architectural Photography
• Color Palette: Muted tones of cream, grey, and brown with accents of green and red.

The Brussels-Luxembourg Railway Station, known in French as Gare de Bruxelles-Luxembourg and in Dutch as Station Brussel-Luxemburg, is a significant railway station in Brussels, Belgium, and a striking piece of neoclassical architecture.

History and Architecture:

• Construction: The station was built between 1854 and 1855 by the Grande Compagnie de Luxembourg as part of the new Brussels-Luxembourg railway line. Its original name was “Leopold Quarter railway station” (Gare du Quartier Léopold) as it served the then-new Leopold Quarter.
• Architect: The lead architect was Gustave Saintenoy, who designed it in a neoclassical style to harmonize with other buildings emerging around the Place du Luxembourg at that time. This style is evident in its imposing columns, symmetrical facade, and the distinctive dome.
• Early Function: It was unique for its time in Brussels as it was designed as a transit station rather than a terminal, connecting the city to the wider railway network. During the 19th century, it was even divided into sections to accommodate different classes of travel.
• Evolution: The station underwent extensions in 1899 and 1921, and its facade was standardized in 1934.

Transformation and Current Use:

• Underground Relocation: Prior to the 1990s and 2000s, the station was at ground level. However, to make way for the expansive European Parliament complex (Espace Léopold) and to create a pedestrian link between Place du Luxembourg and Leopold Park, the railway tracks were covered over and moved entirely underground during the 1990s.
• Integration with European Parliament: The station’s old main building, with its grand neoclassical facade, was partly demolished in 2004, but the central entrance building was meticulously preserved and integrated into the European Parliament complex.
• “Station Europe”: Today, the former central entrance building has been repurposed as “Station Europe,” serving as a prominent welcome and information point for visitors to the European Parliament. It houses an impressive augmented reality model of the complex and offers information on the Parliament’s history, buildings, and notable visitors.
• Modern Station: The modern, entirely underground station, completed in 2009, is operated by the National Railway Company of Belgium (SNCB/NMBS). It’s designed to allow a maximum of natural light, and some stained glass windows from the original structure were even incorporated into the new underground building.

Significance:

• Architectural Landmark: It remains an iconic architectural landmark in Brussels, showcasing mid-19th-century neoclassical design.
• Gateway to the European Quarter: Its strategic location in the heart of the European Quarter makes it a vital transport hub for politicians, diplomats, officials, and general travelers connecting to and from various parts of Europe.
• Historical and Modern Blend: The Brussels-Luxembourg Railway Station beautifully represents the blend of Brussels’ rich historical heritage with its modern role as the de facto capital of the European Union.