It was created following the covering of the river Senne (1867–1871), and bears the name of Adolphe Max, a former mayor of the City of Brussels.

The first prize was awarded in 1876 to the Maison des Chats or Hier is't in den kater en de kat (loosely, "House of Cats") by the architect Henri Beyaert.

On 4 September 1944, it was the scene of great jubilation during the liberation of Brussels by the British Guards Armoured Division.

The luxurious Hotel Le Plaza, located on the boulevard, also closed its doors in 1976.

There are also currently plans to renovate the Boulevard Adolphe Max and its surrounding streets, as part of the broader revitalisation of the city centre.