[5][3][1] The Anspach Fountain was designed by the architect Charles-Émile Janlet [fr] and erected between 1895 and 1897 in the centre of the Place de Brouckère/De Brouckèreplein, left empty by the destruction of the former Temple of the Augustinians.

[6][1][7] The fountain pays homage to Jules Anspach, mayor of the City of Brussels from 1863 to 1879, as well as promoter of the covering of the river Senne (1867–1871) and the creation of the Central Boulevards.

[5][3][1] The eclectic-style monument, 20 metres (66 ft) high,[4] is made up of a Swedish granite obelisk surmounting a blue stone pedestal surrounded by a basin.

[4] The pink granite obelisk, 11 metres (36 ft) high,[1] bears at its base a white marble medallion with Anspach's image by Paul De Vigne, surrounded by bronze allegories of The Municipal Judiciary and The Grateful City of Brussels by the sculptor Julien Dillens.

[10] The upper part is also decorated with four coats of arms, referring to the historical Brussels' Guilds of Crossbowmen, Harquebusiers, Archers and Fencers.