In an area settled since prehistoric times, Mons, Belgium, has now ventured into mobility and contemporary architecture. In early 2025, world-famous Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, along with city officials, residents and visitors, celebrated the inauguration of the new Gare de Mons, changing the look and ambiance of Mons forever. Calatrava’s design for the new rail station in Mons will touch the city in more ways than one.

© Oliver Schuh – Palladium Photo Design

“We are honored to inaugurate this station in the city of Mons, the cultural capital of Wallonia and a European Capital of Culture in 2015,” said Calatrava. “This project transcends the challenges of constructing a new railway station. Conceived as a monumental bridge spanning the tracks, it has ignited a profound transformation in its surrounding areas.

“The station’s Gallery stands as a connector, uniting the historic heart of the city to the south and the emerging Grand Pres shopping district to the north. On both sides of the station, underground parking facilities for cars and bicycles are seamlessly integrated, alongside expansive city squares that enhance the urban landscape.”

Located along the international Paris-Brussels line, Gare de Mons is one of the larger train stations in Belgium and a major hub for local and regional bus transportation. The new station features train platforms spanning 1,148 feet across seven passenger tracks, 29 bus stops and many taxi stands, all fully covered beneath its roofs.

© Oliver Schuh – Palladium Photo Design

At 541feet in length and 50 feet high, the Gallery is the centerpiece of the station. Its design showcases a rhythmic sequence of inclined, triangular steel trusses and curved glass facades framed in wood, complemented by Belgian blue limestone flooring.

The pairing creates an inviting and intimate setting, and the spacious, well-lit Gallery offers seamless access to all platforms via stairs, escalators and large elevators (two per platform). It features a variety of retail services designed to meet the needs and comfort of passengers along with a combined travel center, jointly operated by SNCB (Belgian train system) and TEC (public bus operator).

The Gallery of the new Gare de Mons is somewhat similar to Galerie de la Reine in Brussels, blending modern transport with cultural and commercial vitality, honoring Belgium’s rich history. The central Gallery is fully enclosed and insulated, while the skylight at the apex of the roof is operable and allows for natural ventilation in summer.

© Oliver Schuh – Palladium Photo Design

Prior to the completion of the Gare de Mons, Place Leopold, between the station and old town, was dominated by intersecting roads and a small bus station. With the reorganization of the traffic, Place Leopold is now transformed into a pedestrian zone, serving as a vibrant space for various public events.

The station is now easily accessible from the heart of Mons with no need to cross any streets. To the north, Place de Congrès, a spacious square marked by its greenery, forms the backbone of the developing Grand Prés district.

SNCB has already begun clearing up neighboring areas to enable further urban development on the far side of the tracks.

The project and its surroundings have been designed to ensure independent travel for all passengers, making the station fully accessible to both able-bodied and disabled individuals. The station is equipped with 12 elevators providing access to the Gallery, platform and parking levels. Raised platforms enable barrier-free boarding of the trains. A state-of-the-art audio system broadcasts public addresses and voice alarms, and all elevators are spacious enough to accommodate bicycles.

For visitors in Paris, Mons is definitely worth a one- to two-day trip via a two-hour train ride to see Gare de Mons (now recognized as one of the “seven most beautiful train stations in the world” for 2025 by Prix Versailles, an international architecture and design award) and explore the city.