in

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

The 1950s in Brussels, Belgium, was a period of significant change and growth. After World War II, the city underwent a process of modernization and expansion, driven in part by the development of the European Common Market. The city center was modernized, with new buildings and infrastructure, and the city’s population grew rapidly. The population of Brussels quickly grew in the 1950s as rural residents moved to the city in search of job opportunities and a higher standard of living. This led to urbanization, with new residential areas and housing developments springing up on the city’s outskirts. Despite the challenges of post-war recovery, the cultural scene in Brussels remained vibrant and thriving. There were numerous theaters, cinemas, and music venues, as well as museums and galleries showcasing the works of local and international artists.

During this time, Brussels became known for its high standard of living and its thriving cultural scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and theaters. The city was also home to several important international organizations, including the headquarters of the European Coal and Steel Community, which laid the foundation for the European Union.

The city’s architecture also underwent a transformation in the 1950s, with the construction of several important modernist buildings, including the Atomium and the Palace of the Nation. These structures symbolized Brussels’ modern and progressive spirit and helped to establish the city as a hub of innovation and creativity. The 1950s was a time of expansion for the city’s educational system, with the construction of several new schools and the establishment of new universities. This helped to increase access to education for young people in Brussels and contributed to the city’s reputation as a center of learning and intellectual activity.

The 1950s was a rich and vibrant period for culture in Brussels, with numerous theaters, galleries, and museums showcasing the work of local and international artists. The city was home to several important art movements, including Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism, and it was a hub of cultural activity and innovation. Despite its many successes, the 1950s was not without its challenges for the people of Brussels. The city was still recovering from the effects of World War II, and the Cold War tensions between the East and West created a sense of uncertainty and insecurity for many residents. The city was also grappling with issues of poverty, inequality, and immigration as it attempted to balance the needs of its growing population with the desire to maintain its high standard of living.

Here are some stunning vintage photos that will take you back to the 1950s in Brussels.

#1 A street in Brussels, Belgium with the Atomium visible at the far end, 1959.

A street in Brussels, Belgium with the Atomium visible at the far end, 1959.

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

11 Comments

#2 A wet street, evening time Brussels, Belgium, lit up by advertising hoardings and signs, 1950s

A wet street, evening time Brussels, Belgium, lit up by advertising hoardings and signs, 1950s

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#3 Looking down a busy Boulevard Anspach at Place de Bourse, Brussels, Belgium 1958.

Looking down a busy Boulevard Anspach at Place de Bourse, Brussels, Belgium 1958.

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#4 Brussels, Grand Place at night, 1958

Brussels, Grand Place at night, 1958

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#5 Sophia Loren in Brussels, 1956

Sophia Loren in Brussels, 1956

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#6 Belgian City, 1955

Belgian City, 1955

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#7 Municipal Museum of Brussels, 1950s

Municipal Museum of Brussels, 1950s

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#8 King Leopold III of Belgium is greeted on his arrival as he returns to Brussels from exile in Swizerland where he has spent the last six years, 22nd July 1950.

King Leopold III of Belgium is greeted on his arrival as he returns to Brussels from exile in Swizerland where he has spent the last six years, 22nd July 1950.

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#9 Rue De La Loi in Brussels, with the Cinquantenaire at the far end, 1950.

Rue De La Loi in Brussels, with the Cinquantenaire at the far end, 1950.

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#10 The Banque de Bruxelles or Bank of Brussels in Brussels, 1950.

The Banque de Bruxelles or Bank of Brussels in Brussels, 1950.

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#11 A view toward the town centre in Brussels, 1950

A view toward the town centre in Brussels, 1950

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#12 Foreign Royalty, Belgium, 1950 . The Laeken Palace near Brussels which was King Leopold’s prison where was housed during the German occupation of World War II

Foreign Royalty, Belgium, 1950 . The Laeken Palace near Brussels which was King Leopold's prison where was housed during the German occupation of World War II

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#13 Foreign Royalty, Belgium, 1950

Foreign Royalty, Belgium, 1950

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#14 A group of dancers of the Hommes Bleus (Blue People) tribe of Morocco performing a national dance in traditional garb in the Grand Place at Brussels, 1950

A group of dancers of the Hommes Bleus (Blue People) tribe of Morocco performing a national dance in traditional garb in the Grand Place at Brussels, 1950

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#15 Flower Market, La Grand Place, May 1950

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#16 Hotel de Villle, La Grand Place, May 1950

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#17 La Grand Place, May 1950

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#18 La Grand Place, May 1950

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#19 La Grand Place, May 1950

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#20 Maison du Roi through archway, La Grand Place, May 1950

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#21 Group boarding Sabena Convair, August 1955

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#22 La Grande Place, August 1955

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#23 La Grande Place, August 1955

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#24 Grand Place, September 1956

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#25 Grand Place, September 1956

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#26 Grand Place, September 1956

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#27 Grand Place, September 1956

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#28 Grand Place, September 1956

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#29 Grand Place, September 1956

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#30 Grand Place, September 1956

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#31 Hotêl de Ville and Grand Place, September 1956

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#32 Street off Grand Place, September 1956

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#33 Boulevard Adolphe Max, Brussels, 1958

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#34 Boulevard Adolphe Max seen from Place Rogier, Brussels, 1958

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#35 Bourse district, Brussels, 1958

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#36 Bourse district, Brussels, 1958

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#37 Bourse district, Brussels, 1958

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#38 Bourse district, Brussels, 1958

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#39 Brussels, 1958

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#40 Brussels, 1958

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#41 Brussels, 1958

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#42 Brussels, 1958

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#43 Brussels, 1958

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#44 Brussels, 1958

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#45 Brussels, 1958

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#46 Brussels, 1958

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#47 Grand Place, Brussels, 1958

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#48 Grand Place, Brussels, 1958

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#49 Near Bourse, Boulevard Adolphe Max, Brussels, 1958

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#50 Near Place Rogier, Brussels, 1958

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#51 Near Place Rogier, Brussels, 1958

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#52 Near Place Rogier, Brussels, 1958

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#53 Place Rogier, Brussels, 1958

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#54 Place Rogier, Brussels, 1958

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#55 Railway station, possibly Bruxelles-Nord, Brussels, 1958

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#56 The theme of many advertisements was the Expo 58 World Fair, Brussels, 1958

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#57 Brussels Cathedral, 1959

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#58 Brussels, 1959

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#59 Brussels, 1959

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#60 Brussels, 1959

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#61 Brussels, 1959

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#62 Brussels, 1959

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#63 Brussels, 1959

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#64 Brussels, 1959

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#65 Brussels, 1959

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#66 Grand Place car park, Brussels, 1959

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#67 Grand Place, Brussels, 1959

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#68 Grand Place, Brussels, 1959

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#69 Manneken Pis, Brussels, 1959

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#70 Place Rogier, Brussels, 1959

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#71 Place Rogier, Brussels, 1959

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#72 Place Rogier, Brussels, 1959

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#73 Place Rogier, Brussels, 1959

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

#74 Place Rogier, Brussels, 1959

Leave a Reply

From War to Prosperity: What Brussels looked like in the 1950s

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Avatar of Aung Budhh

Written by Aung Budhh

Husband + Father + librarian + Poet + Traveler + Proud Buddhist. I love you with the breath, the smiles and the tears of all my life.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *