Brussels Royal Palace reopens after four‑year renovation

The Royal Palace in Brussels opened to the public for a limited summer season from 3 July to 16 August, following a four‑year restoration that kept the building closed and its façade shrouded in scaffolding. Workers replaced roughly 700 windows, repaired stonework, restored mosaic floors and upgraded interior lighting, while the façade was fully refurbished.

The palace, which serves as the official workplace of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde rather than a residence, now houses its historic reception rooms, including the Throne Hall and the Mirror Hall. Visitors can view a new installation by Belgian artist Jan Fabre, a blue‑green mosaic made from about 1.5 million beetle larvae, and portraits of the royal couple, along with a photo of Czech President Petr Pavel. The venue will also host an upcoming state visit by the Danish royal family. The building spans 33,000 m², has a façade longer than Buckingham Palace’s, and features the monumental staircase designed by court architect Alphonse Balat, mentor to Art Nouveau pioneer Victor Horta.