Humanist Sculpture Park

Humanist Sculpture Park is an open-air museum spread across the campus of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) in Ixelles, one of the two universities born from the 1969 split of the former Brussels ULB into French-speaking and Dutch-speaking institutions. The campus at Pleinlaan 2 was built on the grounds of a former military training area, and for decades its lawns and pathways have doubled as a free, always-open gallery of contemporary sculpture.

How did the collection begin?

The park traces its origins to 1980, when the VUB Alumni Association donated the first sculpture to the university — an untitled work by Georges Dobbels that became the seed of the entire collection. From that point on, the gathering of works grew steadily, largely through the efforts of Professor Emeritus Willem Elias, a philosopher of art closely tied to the university. Today the permanent collection numbers fourteen outdoor sculptures, and since the summer of 2021 it has been complemented by temporary exhibitions, with newer generations of artists showing works grouped into several thematic clusters across the campus.

What idea ties the sculptures together?

The park's name is deliberate. VUB has long identified itself with a freethinking, humanist tradition, and the sculpture collection was conceived to express that identity visually. The artists represented are described as Belgian freethinkers whose work engages with values such as freedom of inquiry, liberalism, science, democracy, friendship and compassion. Walking through the campus therefore becomes more than a visual experience — each piece functions almost as a philosophical statement, inviting reflection as much as appreciation.

What are the highlights?

Among the collection's notable pieces is Lin Yang-Cai's memorial work commemorating the 1990 Tiananmen Square events, Camiel Van Breedam's two-part composition "Libertad I & II" from 1995, and one of the newest additions, Nick Ervinck's "REDNOYER" from 2019. The works vary widely in scale, material and form, but each engages with its surroundings — shifting foliage, changing seasons and weather — so the park never looks quite the same on two visits.

Practical information

The park is open around the clock and admission is completely free. The grounds are wheelchair accessible, and parking is available for visitors arriving by car. Groups can request a guided tour through the university, while independent visitors can consult an online virtual map to plan a route between the sculptures scattered across the campus.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entry fee? No, the park can be visited free of charge at any time, without booking.

How many sculptures are in the collection? The permanent collection includes fourteen works, periodically joined by temporary exhibitions.

Can visitors join a guided tour? Yes, VUB organizes guided walks through the park on request for groups interested in the art and campus history.

Where exactly is the park located? On the main VUB campus at Pleinlaan 2 in Ixelles (Elsene), in the southeastern part of Brussels.