The History Of La Bourse In 1 Minute

If you’re imagining an old school hustle and bustle when entering the Belgian stock exchange, think again. The stereotypical scene of stockbrokers and traders chaotically waving small pieces of paper around like their lives depend on it hasn’t been around since 1996, the year when trading became completely computerized. The richly adorned building is now transforming itself into a cultural hotspot.
While the Brussels stock exchange was founded by Napoleon as early as 1801, it didn’t find a permanent home until the stately Bourse building came into being between 1868 and 1873. Erected over the site of the dirty river Senne as part of a city-beautification project, head architect Léon Suys went for a neoclassical look, dripping with splendor to emphasize the city’s economic power. Helped by famous sculptors such as the brothers Jacquet and Auguste Rodin, the exterior was made into a statement piece. Greek Doric columns, a bas-relief depicting the city and statues of baby angels and lions all welcome the visitor to the country’s symbol of posterity.