Palais du Coudenberg

About the museum

The Coudenberg palace was one of the finest princely residences in Europe in the early modern period. It dominated the city of Brussels from the top of the Coudenberg hill. From the 12th to the 18th century, successive rulers of the Duchy of Brabant turned a small fortified castle into a sumptuous residential palace, which gradually took a central role in the politics of the Low Countries before becoming a major centre of diplomacy and pleasure. Passing to the dukes of Burgundy in the 15th century, it became the main residence of Charles V in the 16th century, and then that of the archdukes Albert and Isabella in the 17th century.

In 1731 a great fire destroyed almost the entire palace. Left in ruins for some forty years, the “Burnt Court” was finally razed in the 1770s to make way for the present Place Royale and the royal quarter. The palace then disappeared from the urban landscape, but its memory never completely vanished: local historians spoke of it throughout the 19th century and identified a few buildings that had escaped destruction.

In the second half of the 20th century, archaeologists uncovered important remains, which were made accessible to the general public in the early 21st century. Today the underground site is visited from the BELvue museum, which occupies the site of the former princely apartments. Visitors pass, among other things, cellars, a section of the rue Isabelle and the former state hall, the Aula Magna. The museum of the site, which presents a selection of about 200 objects from the excavations in the remains of the hôtel d’Hoogstraeten, is currently temporarily closed.

Highlights

• Remains of the palace of Charles V beneath the Place Royale
• Section of the rue Isabelle, an ancient underground street
• Aula Magna, former state hall of the palace
• Free audio guide on smartphone in five languages, with 39 stations
• Underground trail game for children aged 5 to 8

Permanent exhibition

• Site archéologique du palais du Coudenberg – Underground route through the remains of the palace of the dukes of Burgundy, Charles V and the archdukes, with the rue Isabelle, cellars and the Aula Magna.

Admission & discounts

Free admission with the Brussels Card (24, 48 or 72 hours), the museumPASSmusées, the Carte PROF and the Passeport 365 (for two people with the holder). The BELvue ticket is paid separately or as a combined ticket. No free admission on Sundays. Tickets are bought online via the BELvue museum shop or on site; payment by Bancontact, Mastercard, Maestro, Visa (except V-Pay) or cash.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The archaeological site, underground, is reached by two lifts, but the floor is uneven in places (cobbles, old slabs), and only part of the site is accessible to wheelchair users; the Aula Magna and the upper part of the rue Isabelle are not (a free virtual visit is offered). The site is not accessible to electric wheelchairs. Wheelchair-accessible toilets on level -1 of the BELvue. Assistance dogs are admitted. Texts in Dutch, French and English; videos with subtitles. Visitors with reduced mobility are asked to book at least 3 days in advance.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

Underground trail game in 7 missions for children aged 5 to 8 accompanied by an adult (backpack with the equipment, a small gift at the end) during regular opening days. During some school holidays, “WAOUW!” surprise chests for children aged 4 to 12 with at least one adult. Children are not supervised without an accompanying adult.

Getting there & parking

The Coudenberg is a 7-minute walk from Central station. A SNCB Discovery ticket entitles you to a 40% discount on the train journey. The entrance is to the right of the Royal Palace, at 7 place des Palais, shared with the BELvue.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers
• Wi-Fi

BELvue shop in the atrium, accessible without a ticket. Cloakroom with lockers (too small for suitcases). Free Wi-Fi network “Wi-Fi Coudenberg” at the turnstiles, for the audio guide; no 4G on the site. A restaurant is due to reopen shortly at the BELvue; food and drink are not allowed on the site. Pushchairs can be left at reception.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

Spaces and private visits on request to the events team (info@coudenberg.brussels); caterer of your choice.

Plan your visit