BJA - Events - BJA Exclusive Visit of the Iconic Palace of Justice of Brussels

Thursday 18 September 2025 - Brussels

The Cultural Committee of the Belgium-Japan Association & Chamber of Commerce (BJA) is excited to invite you to an exclusive visit of the world-famous Palace of Justice of Brussels.

The Palace of Justice is a neoclassical mastodon with Assyrian-Babylonian features. It is brimming with references to independent judiciary in a 19th-century state with separation of powers. Its architect, Joseph Poelaert, meticulously calculated many aspects of this monumental building: heights, widths, number of steps, numbers, and symbols are omnipresent in the architecture and form the visible image of the invisible reality. Each number represents a certain quality and has symbolic significance. Thus, the Palace of Justice became as the most iconic example of symbolism.

Under the lead of a professional guide from Korei, we will uncover the secrets of the largest monument built in the 19th century. You will discover the story of the architect, the architecture, the urban planning, and the symbolism behind this monumental façade and will gain insight into the role of the palace within the functioning of justice.

Since court hearings are generally held in public, following the tour, Eric Resler, Belgian Lawyer and BJA Cultural Committee Member, will guide participants through the maze of hearing rooms so that they can attend 10-15 minutes of hearings.

Do not miss this unique experience!

Program

09:50	Registration in front of the Ferris Wheel on the Poelaert Square
10:00	Security checks and start of the guided tour by Korei
11:30	Impromptu visits to hearings in progress with Eric Resler, Lawyer and BJA Cultural Committee Member
12:00	Event Adjourns

09:50

Registration in front of the Ferris Wheel on the Poelaert Square

10:00

Security checks and start of the guided tour by Korei

11:30

Impromptu visits to hearings in progress with Eric Resler, Lawyer and BJA Cultural Committee Member

12:00

Event Adjourns

Optional: following the event, for those interested, there will be a possibilty to eat lunch in a neighboring restaurant (at participant's expense), with the opportunity to discuss the Belgian and Japanese legal systems with Eric Resler.

Fees:

BJA Members: 25 €
Non-members: 125 €

(The fees do not include the optional lunch)

Please make your reservation latest by 5 September 2025.
Registrations are made automatically upon completion of the online form, on a first come, first served basis, with limited capacity.
Cancellations are accepted until 8 September 2025. After this date, the fees will be charged and not refunded.

Pictures