René Pechère Garden

René Pechère Garden is a compact, geometric park tucked into Brussels's administrative quarter, bordered by la Petite Ceinture, Rue Royale, and Boulevard Pachéco. It stretches from the foot of the Finance Tower to the Congress Column, forming a green buffer between busy traffic arteries and the office blocks of the Belgian capital's government district.

Who designed the garden?

The garden was built between 1958 and 1970 to a design by René Pechère, one of the most influential Belgian landscape architects of the 20th century. Over his career he designed roughly 900 gardens, both private and public, not only in Belgium but also in France, Germany, and the Netherlands. His best-known works include the Botanical Garden of Brussels and the maze at the Museum Van Buuren. The garden that now bears his name is one of the clearest examples of his style, combining rigorous geometry with a strong use of hardscape — a signature of his approach that made him one of Belgium's defining postwar landscape designers.

What does the layout look like?

The composition follows a clear geometric grid: rectangular planted beds alternate with stone-paved pathways, framed by rows of trees set out in regular alignments. The garden includes fountains that, after years of disrepair, have been restored to working order and are switched on seasonally, typically coming to life in spring as the surrounding plantings reach full color. Neatly kept lawns and trimmed hedges reinforce the neoclassical, orderly character typical of Brussels's postwar civic landscaping.

Why was the garden restored?

Over the decades the park had faded into the background amid the surrounding office developments, and its infrastructure — fountains, paving, plantings — needed a thorough overhaul. A comprehensive restoration project aimed to recreate Pechère's original vision: greenery was refreshed, trees were replanted, and the fountains were brought back into service. Access was also improved as part of the same effort, with a new escalator entrance added at 202A Rue Royale and an additional access point from the Finance Tower side. Plans further call for a monumental escalator cutting through the blind wall along Boulevard Pachéco, intended to make the garden easier to reach for residents and office workers approaching from the surrounding streets.

Who is this place for?

Today the René Pechère Garden functions as a quiet retreat for employees of the nearby institutions and offices — a spot for a lunch break, a short walk, or a moment away from traffic. Its intimate scale and geometric layout make it more of a pause for those seeking calm than a headline tourist attraction, but it is worth a stop when exploring Brussels's administrative center, especially in spring when the fountains are running and the plantings are at their fullest.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the garden located? Between la Petite Ceinture, Rue Royale, and Boulevard Pachéco, at the foot of the Finance Tower and the Congress Column.

Who was René Pechère? A Belgian landscape architect who designed about 900 gardens across Belgium and other European countries, known for his geometric, orderly style.

Does the garden have fountains? Yes, they have been restored and are activated seasonally, mainly in spring.

How can visitors reach the garden? Through a new escalator entrance at 202A Rue Royale, or via access from the Finance Tower side.