Inaugurated in 1882, the Passage du Nord is one of Brussels’ emblematic covered arcades. Characteristic of 19th-century eclecticism, it blends the elegance of a shopping gallery with an exceptional richness of detail. From the monumental façade to the glass roof flooding the passage with daylight, every feature embodies the ambition to create more than a mere thoroughfare: a true architectural experience.

On the Boulevard Adolphe Max side, the main façade immediately catches the eye with its sculpted lines and decorative ornaments. Restored in several phases between 2000 and 2024, it now regains its original appearance. On the first floor, four groups of children sculpted by Albert Desenfans support candelabras, showcasing the refined craftsmanship of the era. The domes crowning the façade today are faithful reconstructions of the originals—their return restoring the building’s majestic silhouette and the architectural balance envisaged in the 19th century.

Inside, the gallery comes to life through 32 caryatids by sculptor Joseph Bertheux. Repeated in sequence, they symbolise modern allegories: Industry, Commerce, Astronomy, Decorative Arts and more. On the central footbridge, two additional child figures by Desenfans complete the ensemble—one representing contemplation, the other recreation.