Place de la Monnaie

The Place de la Monnaie, in Brussels

The Place de la Monnaie is dominated by the imposing Théâtre de la Monnaie, the national opera of Brussels. The Brussels audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this square and its theatre, a high place of Belgian culture and history.

The opera and the cradle of the Belgian revolution

The Place de la Monnaie is dominated by the imposing Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie, the national opera of Brussels. The name of the theatre and the square comes from the former mint workshop that was once located at this site. Beyond its artistic prestige, this place occupies a major place in the history of Belgium: it is during a performance at the opera, in 1830, that the momentum broke out which triggered the Belgian revolution and led to the independence of the country. A high place of operatic culture and national memory, the Place de la Monnaie is an essential witness of the Belgian identity.

What to see

You admire the imposing Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie, the national opera of Brussels, whose name comes from the former mint workshop, and where in 1830 broke out the momentum of the Belgian revolution. The Place de la Monnaie is a high place of culture and history. It is a stop for those curious about culture, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Place de la Monnaie lies in the heart of Brussels, reachable on foot and by public transport. It is a freely accessible public space; the Théâtre de la Monnaie follows its own programme and hours, which vary. It is best to check the agenda to attend a show.

Why is the Place de la Monnaie important in Brussels?

It shelters the national opera, the Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie, and it is during a performance in 1830 that the momentum broke out which triggered the Belgian revolution and led to the independence of the country.

Where is the Place de la Monnaie?

In the heart of Brussels, in Belgium.