There are places we pass through without really looking at them… until the day they return to the spotlight. That’s exactly what just happened with Place de la Liberté. After several years of construction, this unassuming square in the center of Brussels is undergoing a renaissance that could well make it a new go-to spot for strolling, having a drink, or simply enjoying the city in a different way.
A gentle transformation
Gone are the uneven cobblestones and the feeling of a place frozen in time. The square, completely redesigned to offer smooth and intuitive circulation, features a single-level layout that radically changes the experience. The result: it’s easier to get around, whether on foot, with a stroller, or with limited mobility. But the transformation isn’t limited to practicality. The space has been reorganized to invite people to linger. The terraces should quickly return to their usual spots, and the whole area feels more open.
The charm of the past, 2026 edition
But there’s no question of erasing the square’s DNA. Quite the contrary: the project draws on the square’s history to better reveal it. The central green space has been redesigned in keeping with the original spirit, while certain decorative elements that had disappeared have made a triumphant return, carefully recreated. The result? A subtle balance between heritage and modernity. The 19th-century atmosphere remains, but with a much clearer and more pleasant feel.
A square designed to be (re)discovered
What stands out most is the space given to nature. The existing trees have been preserved and nurtured, joined by new arrivals that already promise shady spots for sunny days. A true breath of fresh air in the heart of the city. More than just a facelift, a new way of inhabiting this space is taking shape. Less passing through, more lingering. Less decoration, more life. What if this square were to quietly become one of the most pleasant spots in Brussels?
