Bruxelles Laeken - Pavilion Chinois

From the Gertrude Smith Collection of Postal Views - Rare

Dated: Circa 1920's
Binding: Stiff Paper Covers
Subject: France
Notes & Literature: The Chinese pavilion was created at the request of King Leopold II. After having visited the “Tour du Monde” panorama several times at the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1900, King Leopold II asked Alexandre Marcel to build him a similar architectural site near his castle in Laeken. Thus, the Chinese Pavilion and its annexed buildings (a small kiosk and the “Koetshuis”), the Japanese Tower, as well as a sculpture, a reproduction of Neptune by Jean de Bologna, were built.The small reception pavilion of the Japanese Tower is the only element that was dismantled at the end of the Universal Exhibition in Paris, then rebuilt in Laeken. It was indeed the entry pavilion for the “Tour du Monde” in Paris. The other structures are original designs for the Laeken site.The construction project for the Chinese Pavilion was approved in 1901. Construction work began in 1903 and lasted until 1908, under the aegis of the king, then continued until 1910, under that of the State, which had received donating the Pavilion.Originally designed to become a luxury restaurant, it was never used as such and was opened to the public by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in October 1913. It served as the setting for a permanent exhibition on products imported from Far East and closed during World War I.In 1921, the building came under the supervision of the Department of Science and Arts. Thus, promoted to an art museum, its management has since been taken over by the Royal Museums of Art and History.

Condition Report: Accordion folded. Very Good