History and restorations
The first building to occupy the site of the Brussels City Museum was a bread hall, in other words a covered market. The building, probably built in the 13th century, overlooked the Grand Place, where the city's largest market was held.
The hall was abandoned by the bakers in the 15th century and subsequently used for part of the ducal administration. From 1515 to 1536, Charles V had the hall replaced by a prestigious building, which was renamed the "King's House" in his honour.
The King's House marked the presence of centralised power in the very heart of the city. As such, the King's House competed with the City Hall, a symbol of local power, which stood opposite.
The interior of the King's House was destroyed during the bombardment of Brussels by King Louis XIV of France in 1695.
The building was summarily restored. During the 18th century, it underwent a minor transformation to give it a more classical appearance.
The building, which had become dilapidated, was purchased by the City of Brussels in 1860 with the intention of restoring it. However, the poor state of the foundations prompted architect Pierre-Victor Jamaer to have it rebuilt from scratch.
This new King's House, built between 1874 and 1896, differed considerably from the original version. It is considered one of the most beautiful examples of the neo-Gothic style in Belgium.
The neo-Gothic style interior of the King's House is definitely worth a visit. The large main staircase in oak is illuminated by superb stained glass windows bearing the coats of arms of the territories governed by Charles V in the 16th century.
The ground floor of the museum is dedicated to sculpture, painting and the decorative arts that have made Brussels famous.
Various tapestries, as well as an exceptional preparatory model on paper, testify to Brussels' leading role in this art form.
The first floor of the museum tells the story of Brussels through paintings, sculptures, maps, etc. It presents exceptional views of districts and monuments that no longer exist.
A model of Brussels in the 13th century will come as a surprise, since the medieval city was so different from today's.
It is also here that you can learn more about the history of the Grand Place, the commercial and political heart of the city.
On the second floor, a large room with remarkable wooden panelling, houses temporary exhibitions. Don't miss the exhibition "The Grand Place To Be" while you're there.
The icing on the cake is a room set aside for the original statuette of the famous Manneken-Pis and his history.
Did you know
At the King's House, you can admire the original Manneken-Pis statuette dating from 1619-1620! The sculpture now located in Rue de l'Etuve is in fact a copy.
The sections above are the city's own survey text, Ville de Bruxelles / Data Management, CC BY 4.0.
North-east row
Grand-Place 29-33 against its neighbours, all drawn to one scale and in the order you meet them standing on the square.
Where it stands
The King's House is marked. Every other number is a link to that building.
Guild house Civic House and shop Every number is a link. North is to the lower right.