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Albert I Equestrian Statue

The equestrian statue of Albert I is a bronze monument in Brussels, Belgium, created in memory of King Albert I, third King of the Belgians. It was inaugurated in 1951 and stands on the Mont des Arts/Kunstberg, near the Royal Library of Belgium (KBR) and Brussels-Central railway station. The statue is placed high on a pedestal made of blue stone blocks, overlooking the city centre. Albert I is shown as a soldier king, wearing a military coat and holding a helmet. The sculptural style recalls the equestrian statue of Leopold II on the Place du Trône, and the sculptor explained that the king is depicted bareheaded so the helmet would not cast a shadow over his face.

Albert I equestrian statue on a stone pedestal in a public square, with buildings and steps in the background.
The Albert I equestrian statue stands on a stone base in Brussels, framed by nearby buildings and steps.
February 2013 © · CC BY-SA 3.0
Albert I equestrian statue on a stone pedestal beside a colonnaded building in Brussels.
The Albert I equestrian statue stands beside the Albertina library building in Brussels.
July 2017 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Albert I equestrian statue on a stone plinth with a modern building in the background.
The Albert I equestrian statue stands on a stone plinth beneath an overcast sky, with a modern building behind it.
January 2010 © Savant-fou · CC BY-SA 3.0
Bronze equestrian statue of King Albert I on a stone pedestal in a park, with trees and a few people in the background.
The Albert I equestrian statue stands in a park setting beneath an overcast sky.
August 2025 © · CC0
Albert I equestrian statue seen from behind, with graffiti on the base and another monument in the background near a stone building.
The Albert I equestrian statue in Brussels, seen from behind with a second monument visible in the background.
January 2010 © · CC BY-SA 2.0

Identification

TitleEquestrian statue of Albert I
SubjectKing Albert I, third King of the Belgians
Typebronze equestrian statue

Historical context

PurposeTribute to King Albert I
Styleclassical and traditional
Part of larger projectAn overall project including the Mont des Arts and the Royal Library of Belgium, dedicated to Albert I

Creator

ArtistAlfred Courtens
Pedestal designerJules Ghobert
Pedestal designer's roleOne of the architects of the Royal Library of Belgium
Related artwork authorThomas Vinçotte

Discovery and provenance

First project submitted1943
Project revised and approved1946

History and restoration

Year installed1951
Inaugurated1951
Construction delayed byWorld War II and a shortage of materials
Timing of related constructionThe first stone of the Royal Library of Belgium was laid three years after the statue's inauguration

Materials

Materialbronze
Pedestal materialblue stone blocks

Technique

CasterCompagnie des Bronzes de Bruxelles
Transported to site inthree parts: the body of the horse, the horse's head, and the effigy of the king

Physical characteristics

LocationBrussels, Belgium, at the point where the Mont des Arts/Kunstberg joins the area near Brussels-Central railway station, a few tens of metres from the Royal Library of Belgium (KBR)
SettingPlaced high on a pedestal overlooking the city centre

Appearance

DepictionAlbert I shown as a soldier king
ClothingMilitary coat
Attribute heldHelmet
PoseBareheaded, with the helmet held rather than worn
Stylistic influenceReminiscent of the equestrian statue of Leopold II
Reason for bareheaded depictionThe sculptor said he feared the shadow of the helmet would obscure the face

Location and ownership

Current name of related institutionKBR