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Palace of National Industry

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Lost amidst the grandeur of Brussels’ Royal Palace, a hidden gem awaits: the Palace of National Industry. Often overshadowed by its regal neighbor, this palace boasts a fascinating story. The Palace of National Industry isn’t what it seems. Originally, two separate mansions stood on this very spot. In the early 19th century, under William I of the Netherlands, these mansions were united. A connecting gallery and a neoclassical facade transformed them into a single “palace.” This newly formed structure served as part of Brussels’ rise as the joint capital of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands. Ironically, the Place des Palais, or “Square of the Palaces,” was named in the plural because yet another palace was built beside it. This neighboring palace, once home to the Crown Prince, now houses the Royal Academies of Sciences and Arts of Belgium. The Palace of National Industry continued to evolve. King Leopold II, deeming the palace too modest, initiated extensive expansions and embellishments. Grand additions, including the Grand Staircase, Throne Room, and Grande Gallerie, transformed the palace into a symbol of his reign. The facade we see today, however, wasn’t completed until after 1904. Designed by Henri Maquet, it features a striking pediment sculpture representing Belgium flanked by Industry and Agriculture. Though not a royal residence, the Palace of National Industry houses a significant portion of the royal collection. State portraits, furniture from Napoleon’s era, and pieces belonging to Leopold I and II adorn its interior.

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