History of the Halle Gate

The imposing Halle Gate has dominated Brussels since the 14th century. Today, it stands as a museum, but over the centuries it has served many functions. Enduring the ravages of time has not always been easy.

The first city walls were built in the 13th century, but rapid urban growth soon rendered them obsolete, leading to the construction of new walls a century later. Stretching eight kilometers, these walls not only served defensive purposes but also reinforced Brussels’ image as a powerful, wealthy city.

A multi-functional past

The Halle Gate was one of seven gateways to the fortified city, controlling the entry of people and goods. In the 16th and 17th centuries, new siege weapons and the advent of artillery forced the city to modernize its defenses, adding ditches, bastions, and ravelins. Yet barely a century later, the walls lost their military function, and the gates fell into disuse. While the ramparts were gradually demolished, the gate survived due to its continued utility.

The Halle Gate also served economic and social functions. It was used to monitor imports and exports for tax collection, acted as a granary, a place of worship, and a shelter for the homeless. From the 17th century onward, it served as a prison for prisoners of war, later housing criminals and political detainees, a role it maintained until a new prison opened in the early 19th century.

The final rescue

Under Dutch rule, the gate was repurposed as a national archive, temporarily saving it from demolition. The Belgian Revolution, however, disrupted the project, and petitions called for its destruction. On 5 July 1832, the city announced a public sale requiring the new owner to demolish it.

Salvation came from the Belgian State, which postponed the sale and consulted the Royal Commission for Monuments. Recognizing the Halle Gate’s exceptional historical value, the Commission advocated for its preservation. A Royal Decree in 1840 finally banned demolition, and on 30 December 1842, the building was officially transferred to the Belgian State for 165,000 francs.

The Halle Gate as a museum

In the mid-19th century, architect Tieleman Franciscus Suys was commissioned to renovate the gate into a contemporary museum. On 25 March 1847, it became the Royal Museum of Armour, Antiquities, and Ethnology. Later modifications addressed accessibility and layout issues, culminating in the final design by Hendrik Beyaert on 30 April 1860.

Today, visitors to the Halle Gate explore a modern museum trail showcasing historical objects and artifacts that recount Brussels’ past as a fortified city. From the rampart walk, you can enjoy breathtaking 360° views of the city and its surroundings.