Musée d'Art Religieux Moderne - Museum van Moderne Religieuze kunst🏛 museum
Museum of modern religious art in the Koekelberg Basilica, featuring 20th-century works.
🌐 basilicakoekelberg.be🕒 We 14:00-16:00
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Basilica of the Sacred Heart
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church
The National Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg, Brussels, is an Art Deco masterpiece and the fifth-largest church in the world. Initiated by King Leopold II in 1905 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Belgian independence, the monumental project was only fully completed in 1970. The basilica's dimensions are staggering, with a length of 164 meters and a massive green copper dome reaching a height of 89 meters. Originally planned as a neo-Gothic structure, it was redesigned in the Art Deco style by architect Albert Van huffel, utilizing reinforced concrete and terracotta, making it the largest Art Deco building on Earth. The spacious interior houses significant religious art, two museums, and a restaurant. A public gallery located beneath the dome provides one of the most comprehensive panoramic views of the Brussels skyline, including the Atomium. The basilica serves both as a major place of worship and a national monument reflecting the 20th-century architectural evolution of Belgium.
- Location: Belgium
- Top sights: Musée d'Art Religieux Moderne - Museum van Moderne Religieuze kunst · National Basilica of the Sacred Heart · Musée des Sœurs Noires - Museum van de Zwartzusters
- Nearby: Grimbergen (8 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 3 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 15 | 11 | 7 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 69 | 61 | 55 | 38 | 59 | 63 | 75 | 79 | 55 | 63 | 69 | 78 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The National Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg is an active church, free to visit. The interior and dome are accessible; entry to the dome is ticketed.
Typical hours
Churches of this type typically open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, with extended hours on Sundays and holidays. The dome usually has separate hours, typically from April to October.
Photography
Photography inside the church is allowed without flash; refrain during services. The dome has a fantastic panoramic view of Brussels, well worth every shot.
Time needed
Plan about 1.5 hours for the basilica including the dome. Those wanting to study the artworks and architecture in detail may spend 2 hours.
Combine with
The basilica is in northwest Brussels, easily combined with the nearby Royal Park of Laeken. The Atomium lookout is just a short metro ride away.
Getting there
The basilica is reachable by metro lines 2 or 6 to Simonis station, then a 10-minute walk. Parking is limited; public transport is recommended.
Insider tip
Climb to the dome for the best view over Brussels - the lift makes the ascent easier. Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds.
Geography
Facts
- The basilica is 164 meters long and 107 meters wide at the transept.
- The first stone was laid on October 12, 1905, by King Leopold II.
- The massive copper dome has an external diameter of 33 meters.
- It is recognized as the largest Art Deco building in the world.
- The outdoor panoramic platform is located at a height of 53 meters.
- Pope John Paul II visited and celebrated mass in the basilica in 1985.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Basilica of the Sacred Heart (10)
Musée des Sœurs Noires - Museum van de Zwartzusters🏛 museum
Museum in the former convent of the Black Sisters, displaying religious art and everyday items.
🌐 basilicakoekelberg.be🕒 We 14:00-16:00
Église Saint-Martin - Sint-Martinuskerk
19th-century church in Ganshoren, Neo-Gothic style.
Château du Karreveld - Kasteel Karreveld🏰 castle
18th-century castle-farm in Molenbeek, now a cultural centre.
Église Sainte-Madeleine - Sint-Magdalenakerk
19th-century church in Jette, Neo-Romanesque style.
Koek's Theatre
Theatre in Koekelberg, offering performances for children and adults.
Église Saint-Charles Borromée - Sint-Carolus Borromeuskerk
19th-century church in Sint-Jans-Molenbeek, Neoclassical style.
Belgian Chocolate Village🏛 museum
Museum in Brussels, showcasing the history of Belgian chocolate, with tasting.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How high is the dome?
The dome is about 89 meters high and features a panoramic observation deck.
What is special about its architecture?
It is one of the largest Art Deco churches in the world.
Does it cost to visit the panorama platform?
Entry to the basilica is free; there is a fee to go up to the dome.
Where is the basilica located?
It is located in the Koekelberg district of Brussels, at the end of Elisabeth Park.
Are there museums in the church?
Yes, there is a museum of modern religious art and the museum of the Black Sisters.
Basilica of the Sacred Heart: where is it located?
Basilica of the Sacred Heart is located in Belgium.
Basilica of the Sacred Heart: what is there to see?
Highlights include Musée d'Art Religieux Moderne - Museum van Moderne Religieuze kunst, National Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Musée des Sœurs Noires - Museum van de Zwartzusters.
Basilica of the Sacred Heart: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Basilica of the Sacred Heart: why is it worth visiting?
The National Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg, Brussels, is an Art Deco masterpiece and the fifth-largest church in the world.
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