Overlooking the Mont des Arts in Brussels, the Royal Library of Belgium (KBR) stands as a temple of national memory. But what does this colossus of concrete and stone truly conceal? Born from the priceless treasure of the Library of the Dukes of Burgundy in the 15th century, the KBR has weathered the centuries, fires, and wars before blossoming into a vast modernist complex. From its turbulent history to its spectacular architecture, dive into the heart of a fascinating institution. From precious manuscripts and rare collections to immersive experiences, discover the secrets of this exceptional repository and the activities that shape its cultural life today.
From the Dukes of Burgundy to Mont des Arts: The Evolution of the Royal Library of Belgium
The history of the KBR dates back to the 15th century with the Library of the Dukes of Burgundy, one of the most magnificent collections in the Western world. Designated the Royal Library by Philip II of Spain in 1559 and opened to the public in 1772, it survived the fire at the Coudenberg Palace in 1731 but was confiscated several times by French troops. Some of its treasures did not return to Brussels until after the Congress of Vienna in 1815, paving the way for the official establishment of the Belgian institution in 1837.
As the collections grew, the premises ofthe former palace of Charles of Lorraine became too cramped. As early as 1935, plans were drawn up for a new building dedicated to King Albert I on the Mont des Arts. Designed by Maurice Houyoux and inaugurated in 1969, this massive modernist complex incorporates the 14th-century Nassau Chapel. Today, this colossal structure spans 67,000 m² and features 17 floors of storage areas housing 150 kilometers of shelving.
Collections, a living museum, and national treasures: an immersion in the KBR
As the repository of the nation’s memory through legal deposit, the KBR houses more than 8 million documents. Beyond books and newspapers, the institution preserves priceless treasures: the Manuscript Collection with its 32,000 items, the Rare Books Collection with 3,200 incunabula, more than 100,000 maps, and an impressive Print Collection featuring works by Rembrandt and Bruegel. The music section, for its part, houses rare sheet music and valuable historical records, such as the famous Marc Danval collection and its thousands of records.
Since 2020, the KBR Museum has been showcasing this exceptional heritage in the heart of the Nassau Chapel, where visitors can admire the famous manuscripts from the Library of the Dukes of Burgundy. Far from the image of a static sanctuary, the KBR is reinventing itself as a dynamic cultural hub, now offering tours tailored to all audiences through customized thematic itineraries. A captivating invitation to rediscover collective memory in a decidedly vibrant light.
📍Mont des Arts 28, 1000 Brussels
