Belgium will experience its most complete solar eclipse on Wednesday evening, and two iconic locations in Brussels are opening their doors to the general public, especially for the occasion. Tickets have now sold out for both.
The majestic Basilica of Koekelberg is opening its observation deck to the public from 19:00 to 21:00 on Wednesday to view the solar eclipse.
Initially, the Basilica's management hadn't thought about opening. But after several people contacted the location last week, general manager Martine Motteux-Abbeloos decided to respond to the request, he told RTBF.
At a height of over 50 metres, visitors will be able to enjoy a unique 360° panoramic view of Brussels, and as far as Flemish and Walloon Brabant, and Mechelen Cathedral in good weather.
Tickets cost €8 and had to be booked in advance by telephone or email. All 125 have now been snapped up, Bruzz reports.
The Basilica of Koekelberg in Brussels.
The Royal Military Museum in Cinquantenaire Park also announced on Monday that it would, as a one-off, open the triumphal arch to visitors for a clear view of the spectacle from 19:00 on Wednesday.
Tickets cost €15 and went on sale at 09:00 on Wednesday via the museum's website, but have now sold out, the museum posted on Facebook at just after 13:00. Only 40 were available due to the terrace's limited capacity.
Several people reported experiencing technical difficulties accessing tickets on Wednesday morning. In the same post, the museum apologised for the disruption caused.
"We would also like to apologise once again for the problems at the start of ticket sales this morning. The high demand for tickets caused our ticketing platform's server to become overloaded. We deeply regret this, of course, and offer our sincere apologies for the inconvenience," it said.
Credit: Royal Military Museum
"One of our visitors pointed out to us that you'll have a unique view of the eclipse from the triumphal arch. Few other locations in Brussels offer this view," Bart Schouppe, head of communications at the War Heritage Institute, told Bruzz.
The viewing point is 45 metres high, and it is only accessible via the stairs. "You have to tackle 146 steps before you can put on your eclipse glasses," Schouppe said. Visitors must bring their own eclipse glasses.
This article has been updated.
