Monts des Arts

The Mont des Arts is an urban complex including the Royal Library of Belgium, the General State Archives, the Congress Palace, and a garden designed by landscape architect René Pechère, located in Brussels between the Royal District and the lower city center. In its current state, it was developed from 1954 to 1965.

This monumental urban complex, which aimed to connect the upper and lower parts of the city, was initiated after World War II by the architect duo Jules Ghobert and Maurice Houyoux. With a classicizing architecture influenced by the official and academic style of the late 1930s, the ensemble - consisting of the Congress Palace, the Royal Library, and the General State Archives - is organized around a park designed by René Pechère, where a statue of King Albert I was inaugurated in 1951.

The Congress Palace opened its doors in 1958. The imposing pavilion of the west wing was dedicated to the royal dynasty and received a decoration related to the chosen theme. The Royal Library, also called the Albertine in honor of King Albert I, is part of this significant complex. Although the works were spread over many years, the ensemble has maintained an exemplary homogeneity and perfectly reflects the will of its designers who wanted to build a prestigious complex to the glory of post-war Belgium.

And of course, the Mont des Arts offers a breathtaking view of Brussels...