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Royal Palace of Brussels

About

Standing proudly at the edge of Brussels Park, the Royal Palace of Brussels is the official administrative residence of the King of the Belgians. Though not a royal home—the monarch resides at the Palace of Laeken—it serves as the symbolic heart of Belgium’s constitutional monarchy. The palace’s neoclassical façade, commissioned by King Leopold II in the early 20th century, conceals a rich architectural history dating back to the 18th century and earlier, when the site was occupied by the medieval Palace of Coudenberg. Inside, grand reception rooms, gilded halls, and historic artworks reflect the ceremonial and political life of the nation. Each summer, following Belgium’s National Day on 21 July, the palace opens its doors to the public, offering a rare glimpse into its opulent interiors and royal functions. As both a working institution and a cultural landmark, the Royal Palace of Brussels embodies the continuity and dignity of the Belgian state.

Brussels Belgium
Royal Palace of Brussels
Location

The Royal Palace of Brussels stands majestically at Place des Palais, 1000 Brussels, directly across from the expansive Brussels Park in the very heart of the city. This grand neoclassical building serves as the official palace for the King and Queen of the Belgians, though it is not their residence; instead, it is the setting for state affairs, royal audiences, and official receptions. The palace’s impressive façade, completed in the early 20th century, is a striking sight and a favorite backdrop for photos, with beautifully landscaped grounds adding to its appeal. Surrounding the Royal Palace, visitors can explore a wealth of cultural and historical attractions. The BELvue Museum, which delves into Belgian history, is just steps away, as are the remnants of the medieval Palace of Coudenberg. Art lovers will appreciate the proximity of the Magritte Museum, the Musical Instruments Museum, and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, all within a short walk. The palace is also perfectly situated for a relaxing break in Brussels Park, where locals and tourists alike enjoy the greenery and fountains. With easy access by metro, tram, and bus, the Royal Palace is an essential stop for anyone discovering Brussels’ rich heritage and vibrant city life.

Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium Museum Magritte Museum Magritte Museum Museum Belgian Comic Strip Center Belgian Comic Strip Center Museum Musical Instruments Museum Musical Instruments Museum Museum Autoworld Autoworld Museum BELvue Museum BELvue Museum Museum Train World Train World Museum Museum of the City of Brussels Museum of the City of Brussels Museum Brouwerij Cantillon Brouwerij Cantillon Museum Palace of the Nation Palace of the Nation Palace Castle of Laeken Castle of Laeken Castle La Monnaie La Monnaie Theatre Théâtre Royal du Parc Théâtre Royal du Parc Theatre Royal Flemish Theatre Royal Flemish Theatre Theatre Palais du Coudenberg Palais du Coudenberg Museum Parc de Bruxelles Parc de Bruxelles Park Parc du Cinquantenaire Parc du Cinquantenaire Park Bois de la Cambre Bois de la Cambre Park Botanical Garden of Brussels Botanical Garden of Brussels Botanical Garden Mont des Arts Garden Mont des Arts Garden Park Grand Place Grand Place Square Atomium Atomium Tourist attractions Manneken Pis Manneken Pis Statue Saint Michael and Saint Gudula Cathedral Saint Michael and Saint Gudula Cathedral Cathedral Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert Shopping Centre Place Royale Place Royale Square Statue of Everard t'Serclaes Statue of Everard t'Serclaes Statue Brussels Town Hall Brussels Town Hall Town Hall Fashion & Lace Museum Fashion & Lace Museum Museum Art & History Museum Art & History Museum Museum Old Masters Museum Old Masters Museum Museum Constantin Meunier Museum Constantin Meunier Museum Museum Wiertz Museum Wiertz Museum Museum Design Museum Brussels Design Museum Brussels Museum House of European History House of European History Museum Jewish Museum of Belgium Jewish Museum of Belgium Museum Royal Belgian institute of Natural Sciences Royal Belgian institute of Natural Sciences Museum Brussels Museum of Industry and Labour Brussels Museum of Industry and Labour Museum Erasmus House Erasmus House Museum Museum of Ixelles Museum of Ixelles Museum Van Buuren Museum & Garden Van Buuren Museum & Garden Museum Choco-Story Brussels Choco-Story Brussels Museum Belgian Brewers Museum Belgian Brewers Museum Museum Sewer Museum Sewer Museum Museum Parlamentarium Parlamentarium Museum Royal Observatory of Belgium Royal Observatory of Belgium Observatory MIRA Public Observatory MIRA Public Observatory Observatory Atelier 34zero Muzeum Atelier 34zero Muzeum Gallery Boghossian Foundation Boghossian Foundation Gallery BOZAR BOZAR Cultural Centre Centrale for contemporary art Centrale for contemporary art Gallery Etablissement d’en face Etablissement d’en face Gallery Eté 78 Eté 78 Gallery Fondation A Stichting Fondation A Stichting Museum Fondation CAB Fondation CAB Gallery Galila’s P.O.C. Galila’s P.O.C. Gallery Moonens Foundation Moonens Foundation Gallery n0dine n0dine Gallery Vanhaerents Art Collection Vanhaerents Art Collection Museum La Verrière La Verrière Gallery Wiels Wiels Museum Rodolphe Janssen Rodolphe Janssen Gallery Xavier Hufkens Xavier Hufkens Gallery Mendes Wood DM Mendes Wood DM Gallery Harlan Levey Projects Harlan Levey Projects Gallery Meessen De Clercq Meessen De Clercq Gallery Galerie Greta Meert Galerie Greta Meert Gallery Galerie Nathalie Obadia Galerie Nathalie Obadia Gallery Espace Art Gallery Espace Art Gallery Gallery Galerie d’YS Galerie d’YS Gallery Galerie VidalCuglietta Galerie VidalCuglietta Gallery ZSenne artlab ZSenne artlab Gallery Théâtre National Wallonie-Bruxelles Théâtre National Wallonie-Bruxelles Theatre Théâtre Des Galeries Théâtre Des Galeries Theatre Théâtre de Poche Théâtre de Poche Theatre Théâtre Varia Théâtre Varia Theatre Théâtre Le Public Théâtre Le Public Theatre Théâtre Les Tanneurs Théâtre Les Tanneurs Theatre Théâtre des Martyrs Théâtre des Martyrs Theatre Le 140 Le 140 Theatre