Laeken Palace (Château de Laeken)
Laeken Palace is the residence palace of the Belgian royal family in the Brussels district of Laeken, in the north of the Belgian capital. It is currently occupied by Crown Prince Philippe and Princess Mathilde.
General information
The Palace of Laken is known for its luxurious park, the highlight of which are the royal greenhouses (Serres Royales, Alphonse Bala, 1874-1895). The glass and metal greenhouses cover an area of 2.5 hectares. In spring, the greenhouses attract visitors from all over Belgium to see the rarest species of tropical plants, some of which were brought to Leopold II from the Congo. The exact opening hours should be checked in advance with the tourist office. At the very end of the Royal Estates, on avenue Van Praet, opposite each other are the Pavilion Chinois (Pavilion Chinois) and the Japanese Tower (Tour Japonaise). Leopold II ordered the construction of these two Oriental-style structures after his visit to the 1890 World Industrial Exhibition in Paris. The China Pavilion houses a large collection of Chinese porcelain, while the Japan Tower hosts temporary exhibitions. Across the avenue du Pare Royal from the Royal Estates, the Park de Laeken begins and extends to the Atomium, located on the boulevard du Centenaire. In 1880, a statue of Leopold I (Louis de Court) was erected here, among chestnut and magnolia trees.
.The Royal Orangeries are open from April to May, wm-hr 09.30-16.00, pt 13.00-16.00 and 20.00-22.00, sat ws 09.30-16.00 and 20.00-22.00, Mon-Fri €2.50, under 18 free.
The Chinese Pavilion, Japanese Tower are located at Avenue Van Praet, 44, tel. 02 26816 08, Tues-Fri 09.30-17.00, Sat-Fri 10.00-17.00, Mon-Fri closed €4 adults, €3 pensions, €1.50 seniors, gr. 6-25 years old.
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