10 Breathtaking Photos of Belgium by Hélène Cook

I am delighted to be able to share 10 wonderful photos of Belgium by Hélène Cook, along with news of her latest exhibition in Brussels.

Introducing Hélène Cook

Hélène Cook’s passion for photography shines through in every shot she takes. She is not a professional photographer by trade, but her striking images have been featured in numerous exhibitions, and she has been honored with awards in photography competitions. Hélène’s creative vision centers on capturing beauty and evoking positive emotions, with a particular focus on urban landscapes.

Her style is characterized by vibrant colors, bold perspectives, and a keen eye for symmetry and contrast. She has a knack for uncovering reflections and dynamic scenes that breathe life into architectural marvels and candid moments on the street. I think every frame tells a story, drawing viewers into the everyday magic of urban life.

Based in Brussels, Hélène is an active member of the local photography scene. She is a resident artist within the Bruxelles Pixels collective of photographers and also a dedicated member of the Viewfinders Photography Club of Brussels. Her ongoing involvement in these creative communities allows her to share her passion with others and continue honing her craft.

Namur railway station 

Namur railway station serves as a crucial transportation hub in Wallonia, linking the region with major cities across Belgium and Europe. First established in the 19th century, the station’s architecture has undergone several transformations, with the most recent renovation in the 21st century. Its strategic importance reflects Namur’s role as a regional capital and a key point for military logistics during World War I and World War II. 

Antwerp Port House 

The Antwerp Port House, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, is an architectural marvel symbolizing Antwerp’s status as one of Europe’s largest and most innovative ports. Completed in 2016, the futuristic glass structure appears to “float” above a historic fire station. It reflects the fusion of Antwerp’s maritime heritage with its vision for the future of trade and technology. The building is a prominent tourist attraction and a global icon of modern architecture. 

Gravensteen Castle, Ghent 

Gravensteen Castle, built in 1180, is one of Belgium’s most iconic medieval fortresses. It was the residence of the Counts of Flanders and played a key role in the region’s feudal history. The well-preserved structure features dungeons, an armory, and stunning views of Ghent’s old town. Today, it serves as a museum and tourist attraction, offering visitors an immersive experience of medieval life and justice. 

The town of Dinant 

Nestled along the Meuse River, Dinant is famous for its dramatic cliffside setting and the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame. The town’s history is marked by its role in early metalworking and its strategic military position. Today, Dinant draws tourists with its scenic beauty, its connection to Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone, and its picturesque cable car ride to the Citadel of Dinant, which offers panoramic views of the valley below. 

Den Bell Tower, Antwerp 

The Den Bell Tower, originally built as a telephone and telegraph exchange in 1953, symbolizes Belgium’s post-war industrial and technological development. The striking modernist design reflects functionalist architectural principles. Now repurposed as a government and municipal office space, it remains an architectural landmark in Antwerp, representing the city’s shift from an industrial hub to a center for modern commerce and administration. 

Ghent former Post Office 

The former post office in Ghent, built in the early 20th century, is a neo-Gothic and neo-Renaissance architectural masterpiece. Situated in Korenmarkt, it served as a symbol of Belgium’s economic power and modernization during the Belle Époque period. Today, it has been repurposed into a shopping center, “De Post,” featuring upscale boutiques, restaurants, and a vibrant meeting place for both locals and tourists. 

St. Michiels Bridge, Ghent 

St. Michiels Bridge offers one of the most iconic panoramic views of Ghent’s medieval skyline. Built in the early 20th century, the stone-arched bridge frames views of the three towers of Ghent – St. Nicholas Church, the Belfry, and St. Bavo’s Cathedral. The bridge is a favorite photo spot for tourists and a romantic place for evening strolls, symbolizing Ghent’s blend of old-world charm and modern city life. 

Liège-Guillemins railway station 

Designed by the renowned architect Santiago Calatrava, Liège-Guillemins railway station is one of Belgium’s most stunning modern structures. Opened in 2009, it features a sweeping steel, glass, and concrete canopy that symbolizes the fluidity of movement. This high-speed train hub connects Liège with major European cities. The station is also a tourist attraction, admired for its futuristic aesthetic and its role as a symbol of Liège’s economic and cultural revival.

River Leie quays in the centre of Ghent 

The quays of the River Leie in Ghent are a focal point for the city’s social and cultural life. These quays, Graslei and Korenlei, are lined with historic guild houses, many dating back to the Middle Ages. Once a center for trade and commerce, the area is now a lively spot for restaurants, cafes, and riverboat cruises. It offers one of the most picturesque and frequently photographed views in Belgium. 

Reading Between The Lines, Borgloon

An architectural marvel blending art and nature, the ‘Reading Between the Lines‘ is a unique installation consisting of horizontal steel plates that create an optical illusion of transparency. From certain angles, it appears as a solid church, while from others, it seems to dissolve into the landscape. This play on perception invites visitors to reflect on the fluid boundaries between presence and absence, solidity and void. It’s a beloved destination for photographers, art enthusiasts, and curious travelers.

Hélène Cook’s current exhibition

Hélène is currently exhibiting at the 7th edition of the Brussels Pixels exhibition, Here, she is presenting a selection of her ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind‘ in the Belgian capital. This futuristic and colorful series, inspired by science fiction works, highlights the modern architecture of Brussels. She achieves this by playing with dynamic perspectives, rounded structures, symmetry, reflections, and contrasts. The series transforms the city into a surreal landscape where extraterrestrial creatures, UFOs, flying saucers, and spaceships appear to invade Brussels after nightfall. The blend of fantasy and reality offers viewers a fresh, otherworldly perspective on the city’s iconic architecture.

Definitely a photo exhibition to catch! But hurry because the last day is this Sunday 15 December! The place to go is Rue de l’Autonomie 2-4, 3rd floor, 1070 Brussels. It’s open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 14h-19h until 15/12.

You can check our Hélène on her website, Facebook, Bluesky, and Instagram.

Thanks Hélène for sharing your photos here: I look forward to seeing more of your work in the future!

Denzil Walton

I created Discovering Belgium in 2011 to share the country’s hidden stories, fascinating places, and remarkable people. Through articles, photography, and audio walks, I share discoveries that reveal Belgium beyond the obvious. Hope you enjoy this site.