Palace of Colonies

The Palace of Colonies, now known as the Africa Palace (Koloniënpaleis in Dutch), stands as a testament to Belgium's complex colonial history and architectural prowess. Nestled in the picturesque town of Tervuren, just outside Brussels, this neoclassical gem was originally built in 1897 by order of King Leopold II. It was designed to house the colonial section of the 1897 International Exposition, a grand event that showcased Belgium's colonial exploits in the Congo. Today, the Palace of Colonies is part of the Royal Museum for Central Africa (RMCA) and serves as a hub for offices, storage rooms, classrooms, and a reception hall.

The 1897 International Exposition

The origins of the Palace of Colonies are deeply intertwined with the 1897 International Exposition. Commissioned by King Leopold II and designed by French architect Alfred-Philibert Aldrophe, the palace was a central feature of the exposition, which aimed to display the riches and cultural artifacts of the Congo Free State. The exhibition was divided into four sections, featuring ethnographic objects, stuffed animals, and Congolese export products like coffee, cacao, and tobacco. One of the most striking elements was the Hall of the Great Cultures, designed by Georges Hobé, which evoked a Congolese forest using Bilinga wood, an African tree.

However, the exposition also had a darker side. In the classical gardens, designed by French landscape architect Elie Lainé, a temporary human zoo was constructed. This controversial exhibit featured a replica of an African village, where 60 Congolese individuals were displayed. Tragically, seven of them did not survive their forced stay in Belgium, casting a shadow over the event's legacy.

From Exposition to Museum

The success of the 1897 exposition led to the establishment of the Museum of the Congo in 1898. This institution aimed to promote colonial propaganda and support Belgium's colonial activities. Initially housed in the Palace of Colonies, the museum quickly outgrew its space due to the avid collecting of its scientists. In 1910, the museum moved to a larger building nearby, designed by French architect Charles Girault. This new location, known today as the AfricaMuseum, continues to house the extensive collection of artifacts and research materials.

During the museum's renovation in 2018, the Palace of Colonies was renamed the Africa Palace. This change aimed to reflect a more inclusive and accurate representation of the building's purpose and history. Today, the palace remains an integral part of the RMCA, serving various administrative and educational functions.

Architectural Elegance

The Palace of Colonies is a stunning example of neoclassical architecture. The building features a rectangular central wing with seven bays, flanked by two square side wings with three bays each. The facades are a harmonious blend of blue and white stone, complemented by white woodwork. A grand staircase, lined with statues of Egyptian sphinxes, leads up to the entrance, creating a majestic first impression.

The Central Wing

The central wing is dominated by a projecting central body, adorned with colossal Ionic columns and a large triangular pediment. These architectural elements create a sense of grandeur and formality. The ground floor features large French windows with semi-circular transoms, while the upper floor boasts rectangular windows with intricate detailing. The overall effect is one of elegance and refinement, befitting the building's historical significance.

The Side Wings

The side wings of the palace present a slightly different architectural style. While they share some elements with the central wing, such as the use of flat bossages and Ionic pilasters, the openings are distinct. The central bay of each side wing features a small door topped by an enormous arched window, while the side bays are decorated with arched niches on the ground floor and oval cartouches on the upper floor. These variations add visual interest and complexity to the overall design.

Sculptures and Monuments

In front of the palace, visitors can admire an animal sculpture by Charles, Viscount du Passage, titled After the Fight. This statue, depicting a roaring deer, has stood at this location since 1893. Although the original was damaged by rust and frost, a bronze replica was installed in 2010. At the back of the palace, a statue of Civilis, a Batavian leader who led a rebellion against the Romans in 69 AD, stands as a reminder of historical resistance. The original sculpture, created by Lodewijk Van Geel, was replaced by a copy in 2013 due to weather damage and vandalism.

The Palace of Colonies, with its rich history and architectural beauty, offers visitors a unique glimpse into Belgium's colonial past. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about the country's heritage, a visit to this remarkable building in Tervuren is sure to be a memorable experience.