The Royal Library of Belgium
Did you know that in 1839 the Royal Library of Belgium was housed in the Palace of Charles of Lorraine? Today, the Palace hosts the library’s temporary exhibitions. You can only enter the palace during these exhibitions or at special events, such as ‘special’ weddings.
Charles of Lorraine was the governor of the Austrian Netherlands from 1744 to 1780. He was an avid art and science enthusiast and collector. His palace, the construction of which started in 1757, later housed the Royal Library’s reading rooms.
An impressive staircase, adorned with a statue of Hercules, sculpted by Laurent Delvaux, leads up to the first-floor rotunda. The rotunda’s paving includes a central rosette made up of 28 types of Belgian marble, a sample of the Prince’s collection of 5,000 minerals. The rotunda’s wonderful floor art leads to five rooms decorated with stuccos and silk, where the governor used to entertain his guests and took care of state affairs.
Restaurant Albert (operated by Witlof.Brussels)
Albert is the most delicious rooftop of Brussels, situated on the 5th floor of the Royal Library of Belgium. Their team serves organic, seasonal and natural farm-to-fork dishes & carefully selected drinks accompanied by an astonishing view over the city of Brussels.
Chef Filip Fransen chose the name with a nod to the monumental library building, which is popularly called ‘L’Albertine’. Albertine now has a little brother.
They work together with farmers and producers located near Brussels who are committed to Belgium’s cultural heritage. Albert selected them for their views on a sustainable food chain and small-scale production and their focus on quality.