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Venues

Stade Joseph Marien

4.5 · 828 reviews
Historic, intimate, and authentic.
Stade Joseph Marien, Chau. de Bruxelles 223, 1190 Forest, Belgium
Interesting facts
1

The stadium's facade and the main entrance were granted protected heritage status by the Brussels-Capital Region in 2007.

2

The pitch is situated within the grounds of Duden Park, a public park that was once part of the Royal Estate.

3

The stadium was originally built to commemorate the club's successful period before the First World War.

4

The site features a distinctive 'English-style' layout with the pitch surrounded by sloping terrain rather than a standard bowl design.

5

Because of its heritage status and current layout, the stadium frequently faces challenges regarding compliance with modern UEFA stadium requirements.

6

The stadium's original wooden grandstand remains a rare surviving example of early 20th-century stadium architecture in Europe.

Overview

Stade Joseph Marien is the historic home stadium of Royal Union Saint-Gilloise, located within the Duden Park in Forest, Brussels. Constructed in 1919, the stadium is renowned for its protected Art Deco façade and entrance gate, designed by architect Albert Callewaert. It is one of the oldest football stadiums in Belgium, maintaining much of its original aesthetic, including a wooden grandstand. The stadium has a capacity of approximately 9,400 spectators, creating a compact and intense atmosphere during matches. The venue's integration into the sloped, wooded terrain of Duden Park gives it a unique appearance compared to modern concrete stadiums. It serves as a significant landmark of Belgian sporting heritage and architecture. The club has experienced a resurgence in recent years, drawing increased attention to this traditional venue.

Photo spot

The protected Art Deco main entrance gate and the facade facing the street.

Insider tips

Visit during the daytime to appreciate the Art Deco details on the exterior facade.

Combine your visit with a walk through the surrounding Duden Park to view the stadium's integration into the hillside.

Check the official club schedule, as access is restricted to ticket holders on match days.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to access the pitch area on non-match days, as the gates are locked to protect the grounds.

Good to know

The stadium is closed to the public except for scheduled match days or guided club tours.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
45-60 minutes
Best time to visit
Late spring or early autumn for pleasant weather to enjoy the surrounding Duden Park.
Address
Stade Joseph Marien, Chau. de Bruxelles 223, 1190 Forest, Belgium
50.818, 4.329
Get directions
Details
Architectural StyleArt Deco
Primary TenantRoyal Union Saint-Gilloise

Frequently asked

Plan for about 45-60 minutes to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late spring or early autumn for pleasant weather to enjoy the surrounding Duden Park..

The protected Art Deco main entrance gate and the facade facing the street.

Close by you'll find Manneken Pis, Parc Duden, Parc de Forest.