Annie Cordy Park

Annie Cordy Park is an urban park in the Laeken district of Brussels, built on the grounds of the former Laeken railway station. The park was officially inaugurated on 8 July 2018 and dedicated to the memory of Annie Cordy — a singer, revue performer, and actress who was born and raised in Laeken. Naming the park after her was a tribute to one of the most recognizable figures of twentieth-century Belgian music and film.

Where is the park located?

The park sits in the heart of Laeken, one of Brussels' historic districts, known among other things for the Royal Palace and the Royal Greenhouses and Botanical Gardens. The main entrance faces Parvis Notre-Dame, the square in front of the Notre-Dame de Laeken church. This location places the park right next to one of the district's key landmarks, making it easy to find for first-time visitors exploring the area.

How to get there?

The nearest metro station is Bockstael, a short walk from the park. Additional access points lead in from Place Notre-Dame and the surrounding streets, making the park easily reachable both for Laeken residents and for visitors arriving from central Brussels by public transport.

What can be found in the park?

A defining feature of the park was a mural depicting Annie Cordy, created by Brussels-based artist Pierre Coubeau. The mural served as a visual tribute to the park's namesake and was one of the recognizable pieces of street art in this part of the city. In spring 2026, the mural was destroyed in a fire, an event that stirred strong reactions among Laeken residents attached to the site. In response, it was decided that the same artist would recreate the work, so the mural would once again become part of the park's redesigned layout.

What is the history of this site?

The land now occupied by the park previously served an industrial purpose, as the site of the former Laeken railway station. Converting this space into a green, recreational area fits into a broader pattern of revitalizing former railway and industrial land across Brussels, where sites once inaccessible to the public are being given new, public-facing functions.

Why is it worth visiting?

Annie Cordy Park is first and foremost a local recreational space for Laeken residents, but it also holds appeal for anyone interested in Belgian cultural history — through its namesake and the mural, the park serves as a point of reference to Annie Cordy's artistic legacy. It is also an example of how former railway infrastructure can be transformed into a gathering and relaxation spot in a densely built part of the city.

Frequently asked questions

When was Annie Cordy Park opened? The park was officially inaugurated on 8 July 2018.

Who is the park named after? The park commemorates Annie Cordy, a singer, revue performer, and actress from Laeken.

How can I reach the park by public transport? The nearest metro station is Bockstael, a short walk away; additional access is available from Place Notre-Dame.

What happened to the Annie Cordy mural? The mural by Pierre Coubeau was destroyed in a fire in spring 2026, and it was decided that the same artist would recreate it.

What was on this site before the park was built? Before the park was created, the site was occupied by the former Laeken railway station.