Belgium

Belgium National Pavilion
Location	Place of Nations
No. of Buildings	1
Construction
Construction Cost	$75,000 ($2.26 million in 2021)
Dates
Dedication Day	May 4th, 1904
Architecture
Architect	Saintenoy
Dimensions	267' x 191'
	v; t; e;

The largest foreign building constructed at the Fair, Belgium's pavilion in the Place of Nations was designed as a piece of old Flemish architecture.

Description[edit | edit source]

The grand pavilion was adorned with handsome exterior mural decorations and a towering dome crowned with sculpture. The structure was built mostly of steel brought from Antwerp. It Included a spreading entrance stairways, which projected on four sides of the building.

Beside the unique architecture, one of the most interesting aspects of its design was the absence of windows in the pavilion. Light and ventilation were provided by big monitors in the center of the roof. The exterior wall surface is used exclusively for mural paintings. The grounds had flower beds and shrubbery surrounding it.

Inside, the building contained a number of carved walnut-paneled salons filled with paintings, tapestries and other artwork included was a noted marble bust of king Leopold the second. Another salon housed Peter Paul Ruben's masterpiece- `Pieta.' variety of interesting exhibits of the factories of Belgium, including some excellent bronzes and ivories and 16th century furniture. The schools and universities of Belgium showcased their work and the Government had a representative railway exhibit.

The exhibit included a very interesting collection of the weapons and native products from the Congo.