50th anniversary of Belgium's independence

King Leopold II aspired to erect a national pantheon on the Koekelberg plateau, as the focal point of a long avenue and as part of the redevelopment of Elisabeth Park, modelled on the one in Paris..

Leopold II lays the foundation stone of the National Basilica

In his first design (1903), architect Pierre Langerock envisioned a grandiose neo-Gothic building inspired by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc's ‘ideal cathedral’. .

Pastoral letter from 1914 by Cardinal Mercier

Cardinal Mercier wrote: ‘As soon as the sun of peace shines on our country, we will once again give a home to those who no longer have one, we will rebuild our churches and libraries, and we hope to crown these works with the construction of the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart on the high plateau of Koekelberg.”

Architecture Grand Prix

Albert Van Huffel won the Grand Prix de l'Architecture for his model of the Basilica at the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris in 1925.

Change of foundation

Replacing neo-Gothic foundations with Art Deco foundations.

Death of Albert Van Huffel

The architect who designed the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg and winner of the Grand Prix de l'Architecture (Paris, 1925), he gave the building its Art Deco signature. His death left Paul Rome with the task of completing the work in keeping with his spirit.

Consecration of the church

Cardinal Joseph Van Roey presided over the impressive ceremonies for the consecration of the church.

The Basilica becomes a Minor Basilica

Pope Pius XII honours the Basilica with the title of Minor Basilica Find out more

Completion of the construction of the two towers

The completion of the towers gives the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg its iconic Art Deco silhouette, inherited from the audacity of Albert Van Huffel and the mastery of Paul Rome, at the end of a construction project that spanned two world wars.

Completion of the south transept

The completion of the south transept brings a new sense of light and balance to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg. True to the Art Deco style conceived by Albert Van Huffel and led by Paul Rome, this stage consolidates the monumental silhouette of the building and improves the flow of worshippers and visitors.

Completion of the north transept

The completion of the north transept completes the architectural balance of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg.

Completion of the construction of the large dome

Couronnement de l’ensemble Art déco, la coupole affirme la silhouette de la Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Koekelberg dans le paysage bruxellois. Conçue par Albert Van huffel et menée à terme par Paul Rome, elle magnifie la lumière intérieure et consacre l’ambition architecturale du monument.

Fin de la construction de la Basilique

After nearly a century of design and construction work, interrupted by two wars, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg was finally completed. The culmination of Albert Van Huffel's vision, continued by Paul Rome, this Art Deco building is an integral part of the Brussels skyline and Belgium's architectural heritage.

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Inauguration

Under the presidency of Cardinal Joseph Suenens, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg was officially inaugurated during grand public ceremonies, marking its entry into Brussels life.

Death of Paul Rome

As engineer-architect and project manager for the completion, Paul Rome faithfully continued Albert Van Huffel's work. This is a tribute to a discreet and decisive builder, without whom the skyline we know today would not exist.