At last a statue for one of the city's great celebrities
The Belgian capital did not have a statue of the singer Jacques Brel. But this oversight has now been corrected with the inauguration at the start of October 2017 of a bronze statue by Tom Frantzen, dedicated to the author of "Plat pays". The work stands in the city centre on the famous Place de la Halle aux Blés.
This bronze monument is entitled "L'Envol". It depicts Grand Jacques, with his huge shy arms open to the crowd. A stance he liked to adopt on stage. The inhabitants of Brussels chose to turn this statue towards Rue du Chêne. This bronze double can be found a short walk from the Brel Foundation, also located on Place de la Vieille Halle aux Blés. It was the local traders that wanted to pay tribute to the great Brussels singer. In her inaugural speech, the Alderwoman for Economic Affairs, Marion Lemesre, recalled the importance of the symbol: "Even the very youngest know the famous songs in his repertoire. Therefore, I decided to support this project that will help to reinforce the conviviality of Place de la Vieille Halle aux Blés which is already home to the foundation devoted to the artist".
After the inaugural ceremony, local traders offered the chance to taste their products in a musical atmosphere provided by the musicians from the Royal Conservatory of Brussels