Joseph Poelaert facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joseph Poelaert
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| Born | 21 March 1817 |
| Died | 3 November 1879 (aged 62) |
| Nationality | Belgian |
| Occupation | Architect |
| Buildings | Palace of Justice of Brussels Congress Column |
Joseph Poelaert (born March 21, 1817 – died November 3, 1879) was a famous Belgian architect. He designed many important buildings in Brussels. Some of his most well-known works include Saint Catherine's Church, the Church of Our Lady of Laeken, the Congress Column, the Royal Theatre of la Monnaie, and especially the huge Palace of Justice. Joseph Poelaert was also the great-uncle of another architect, Henri Van Dievoet.
Contents
Life of Joseph Poelaert
Early Years and Training
Joseph Poelaert was born in Brussels, Belgium, on March 21, 1817. His father, Philip Poelaert, was also an architect. Joseph followed in his father's footsteps. He studied architecture at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels. Later, he continued his studies in Paris, France, learning from famous architects like Louis Visconti and Jean-Nicolas Huyot.
Joseph first became well-known in 1849. He won a competition to design the Congress Column, a large monument in Brussels. In 1856, he was chosen to be the city architect for Brussels. This was a very important job.
Building the Palace of Justice
One of Poelaert's biggest and most famous projects was the Palace of Justice of Brussels. This building is enormous! It was the largest single building constructed in the 1800s. Its design was so grand that a smaller version was even copied in Lima, Peru.
To build the Palace of Justice, a part of the Marolles neighborhood in Brussels had to be cleared. Joseph Poelaert actually lived in the Marolles area himself, very close to where the Palace was being built. He had his offices and workshops right next to his house. Even so, many people in the neighborhood were upset about having to move. They blamed Poelaert for this. Because of this, the phrase schieven architect (meaning "shameful architect") became a common insult in the local Marolles dialect.
Later Life and Death
Joseph Poelaert retired in 1874. He moved to his villa in the village of Laeken, which was a quiet, rural area back then. He passed away on November 3, 1879. He was buried in Laeken Cemetery. His tomb has a small model of his famous Palace of Justice on it.
Main Architectural Works
Joseph Poelaert designed many important buildings and monuments. Here are some of his key projects:
- 1850–1859: Congress Column in Brussels. This monument honors the Belgian National Congress.
- 1854–1874: Saint Catherine's Church in Brussels. A beautiful church in the city center.
- 1854–1909: Church of Our Lady of Laeken in Brussels. This church is also the burial place for the Belgian Royal Family.
- 1855–1857: Restoration of the Royal Theatre of la Monnaie in Brussels. He rebuilt it after a fire.
- 1866–1883: Palace of Justice in Brussels. His most famous and largest work.
Images for kids
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The Pedestal of the Congress Column, Brussels (1850–1859).
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The Royal Theatre of la Monnaie, Brussels (1855–1857).
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The grand Palace of Justice, Brussels (1866–1883).
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A bust of Joseph Poelaert inside the Palace of Justice.
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Joseph Poelaert's tomb in Laeken Cemetery, Brussels.
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The coat of arms of the Poelaert family.
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See also
In Spanish: Joseph Poelaert para niños
