Palais de la Nation is the home of Belgium's Parliament and lies at one end of Parc de Bruxelles, directly opposite the Royal Palace, which lies at the other. Belgium is a constitutional monarchy and this is symbolised by these two palace's which face each other. The Royal Palace is the official home of the Monarch - who is the Head of State, and the Palace of the Nation is where the Prime Minister - who is the head of Government - conducts his parliamentary business.
Palais de la Nation was built in 1779, when Maria-Theresia of Austria acceded to the throne, to a Neo-Classical design by the French architect Barnabé Guimard. It has been the home of the Belgium Parliament since 1830. The Palace contains two chambers - the red chamber is for the Senate and the green chamber is for the Representatives. It is possible to enter the building during sessions in either chamber.
Guided tours of the Palais de la Nation must be arranged in advance by telephone and only take place when there are no sessions of Parliament.
Opening Times
Sessions of Parliament
Usually Mon-Sat 10am-3pm
Please note: Without a pre-booked tour, you can only enter the building during a session of the Parliament. It is always advisable to ring and confirm that you will be allowed entrance.
Tours
Price: Free
Times: By Appointment only
Telephone: 02 519 8136
Address
Palais de la Nation
Rue de la Loi 16
Brussels, 1000
How to Get There
Metro: Parc Station
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