Pavilion of Tervuren

[1][2] The pavilion was lavishly furnished and decorated, including reliefs by the French sculptor François Rude, who was then living in exile in Brussels.

[1][2] To the east extended an Italianate garden decorated with neoclassical statues, including Claudius Civilis by the sculptor Jean-Louis Van Geel.

Under Leopold II, who had a special fondness for Tervuren and at one point even considered living there permanently, the Warande was further expanded through targeted purchases.

[1][2] To make the colonial exhibition attractive and accessible, Tervuren was connected to the capital with a wide, 11 km (6.8 mi) tree-lined avenue, flanked by a tram line, which was constructed for the occasion.

[1][2] At the end of this avenue, on the site of the burnt-down pavilion, the Palace of Colonies was built, designed by the architect Ernest Acker.

[1][2] However, the available space soon proved insufficient, so Leopold II decided on 3 December 1902 to expand it so Chinese and Japanese exhibitions could be shown.

[1][2] The French architect Charles Girault, whose Petit Palais was liked by Leopold II at the Paris Exposition of 1900, was commissioned to develop a concept that encompassed the entire Lokkaartsveld along the Leuvensesteenweg, including of the Palace of Colonies site.