The monumental Royal Greenhouses of Laeken, De Koninklijke Serres van Laken, are a part of the Royal Palace of Laeken in the northern part of Brussels. The monumental art nouveau greenhouses are designed by Alphonse Balat in 1874 on behalf of King Leopold II. The historical complex is partly heated for tropical and subtropical plants and flowers.
In 1874 the greenhouses were entirely built in glass and metal. At that time this was a spectacular innovation, like the Crystal Palace in London. There are several pavilions and large glass domes surrounded by a hill landscape in the middle of the urban area of Brussels.
Winter Garden
The Winter Garden is the largest greenhouse and has a round shaped dome with a diameter of 57 metres and height of 25 metres. The cast iron construction is supported by Greek Doric colonnades. The Winter Garden is still used for royal receptions. Every year in the spring the greenhouses are opened to the public for a few weeks. The public opening was a request of Leopold II and this tradition has been carried on by every monarch who reigned after him. On special occasions the greenhouses are open for contemporary art exhibitions.
Virtual picture tour
Admire the green lush plants, ancient trees, palm trees, colourful plants and the splendid architecture by scrolling down the pictures below. The first picture below is the sculpture atelier of Queen Elisabeth. The atelier can also be admired by visitors when the Royal Greenhouses are open to the public.
Monumental highlights in Europe
Click and explore other monumental highlights in Europe. Wander around in the world of Harry Potter in Edinburgh or discover the royal fame of Princess Sisi in Vienna. Go and walk around the fairy-tale castles of Sintra in Portugal, admire the eclectic and creative architecture of Gaudi in Barcelona, or the ancient Roman architecture in Rome. When you are in Belgium, the monumental churches of Antwerp are worth a visit: Sint-Andries church, Sint Carolus Borromeus church or the cathedral of Antwerp.
