The King’s House

Here we are in front of the King’s House, a neo-Gothic structure that echoes the Town Hall opposite. It was first built in 1536, then renovated in 1873. Back in the 15th century, it used to be the administrative headquarters for the Duke of Brabant, known as the Duke’s House. Due to his nomination as King of Spain and bombings in 1695, the King’s House was rebuilt in a Gothic style, just like Charles V had chosen at the time. In 1985, the building was renovated to make place for the Brussels City Museum, installed since 1987. This large square is home to multiple events—the most important one being the Flower Carpet. It takes place the 15th of August, on every even-numbered year, where a massive carpet of begonias covers the ground of the Grand Place, creating a gigantic floral work of art.