Are you a fan of sci-fi and urban gems? Riders on Line 6 of the Brussels Metro know it: the Pannenhuis station is undoubtedly the most beautiful in the entire STIB network. No wonder it’s the most photographed Brussels metro station on social media! Grab your transit passes and smartphone cameras—Bruxelles Secrète takes you on a tour of this stunning metro station.
The origin of the Pannenhuis station’s name
Opened on October 6, 1982, the Pannenhuis station on Line 6 will celebrate its 45th anniversary next year. But where does its name come from? Does it refer to a key moment in Brussels’ history? Not at all! Pannenhuis actually refers tothe “Old Pannen-Huis,” a 17th-century inn in Esseghem. It is said to have been the site of numerous historical events.
Legend even has it that Leopold I, Napoleon, and the founders of the resistance newspaper *Faux Soir* once stayed there. Although the historic inn was completely destroyed, the Pannenhuis metro station is located in the neighborhood where it once stood. A lovely nod to our heritage.
The most photogenic metro station in Brussels
Today, the Pannenhuis station—located between Belgica and Bockstae—boasts an architectural style and design that has captivated thousands of riders. Featuring oval lines, circles, and orange-painted stainless steel cones, the station is a must-visit for urban photography enthusiasts.
It’s this same color, blended with white, that can be seen in the mosaics on the walls facing the platforms. As visitors descend (or ascend) the escalators after passing through the turnstiles, they can observe striking contrasts created by the skylights scattered across the ceiling.
The station’s design is characterized by an almost futuristic and cinematic atmosphere. Its architectural elements, composed of geometric shapes, give the station a character reminiscent of a 1970s science-fiction spaceship. It is this very architecture that delights photographers. Ready for this underground journey?
