Peeking through the grand entrance you see more than just a shopping arcade. It’s a portal into Brussels’s past. We are standing at the entrance to the Galerie du Roi – Koningsgalerij. This isn’t just any shopping center. The Galerie du Roi is part of the Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries. They also include the Queen’s Gallery and the Princes’ Gallery.
King Leopold I inaugurated these galleries back on June 20 1847. He was Belgium’s first king. The Galerie du Roi is more than 100 meters long. Imagine a bustling hub filled with the excitement of a new era.
Jean-Pierre Cluysenaar designed the Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries. He was inspired by the courtyard of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. The Galerie du Roi showcases an Italianate Cinquecento style. Look up to admire the arched glass-paned roof and delicate cast-iron framework.
The Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries aimed to transform a dilapidated area. They replaced ill-lit alleys with a covered shopping arcade. The Galerie du Roi quickly became a favorite spot. Locals and tourists alike flocked here. It offered a luxurious ambiance regardless of the weather.
Inside the Galerie du Roi stood the offices of La Chronique. On March 1 1896, they held the first public showing of moving pictures. These were by the cinematographers Lumière. They had just come from their triumph in Paris.
Cluysenaar also designed the Royal Theatre of the Galleries. It opened its doors on June 7 1847. This theater became one of Brussels’s three royal theaters. It hosted operettas and revues.
The Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries received recognition as a historic monument in 1986. They were submitted for UNESCO World Heritage status in 2008. The King’s Gallery is home to the Museum of Letters and Manuscripts. It honors great figures in art, history, music, the humanities, and science.
The Galerie du Roi runs from the Rue des Bouchers to the Rue d’Arenberg. The Royal Theatre of the Galleries is a highlight. The Galerie du Roi is one part of a bigger whole. The Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries offer a unique experience. They blend history, culture, and commerce. They truly capture the spirit of Brussels. Take a stroll and let the Galerie du Roi transport you.