Right in the heart of Brussels, lies Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, a shopping arcade that is second to none. This architectural masterpiece harks back to the 19th century and if you ask me, is a must-see when you are in Brussels.
It is a mix of architecture, decadence, shopping and entertainment. So you can’t really go wrong, can you?
So, let’s dive a little deeper into the history and what is in store for you if you visit.
Details
Here are all the details you need to visit Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert:
- Address: Galerie du Roi 5, 1000 Brussel, Belgium (Google Maps)
- Opening Times: 24 hours
- Stores: List found here
- Parking: Rue de l’Ecuyer Grand Place
- Public Transport:
- Tram : 3-4-51-92-94
- Bus : 29-38- 48-63-65-66-71-86-95
- Métro : Gare Centrale, Bourse
- Train : via Gare Centrale
History of Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert
Constructed between 1846 and 1847, Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert is one of the oldest shopping arcades in Belgium and Europe as a whole. The architect was Jean-Pierre Cluysenaar, a man born in Holland, who studied and worked in Belgium his whole life. He became famous for this building but also for other large buildings he built for nobles at the time.
With Les Galeries, he wanted to create a luxurious and elegant space for socializing, shopping, and entertainment. Cluysenaar was both architect and co-financier on the project. After completion, it quickly became a fashionable meeting point for the high society of Brussels. And with a motto of “Everything for everybody” and indoor cafes to escape the Belgian weather, how could it not?
Not only that, it became something of a symbol of the city’s prosperity during the Industrial Revolution.
The Architecture
It’s no surprise that this building was designated a historic monument in 1986. The building runs 230 meters in length and consists of two main galleries
- Galerie du Roi (King’s Gallery)
- Galerie de la Reine (Queen’s Gallery)
- And a smaller one called the Galerie des Princes (Princes’ Gallery).
The galleries were designed in an Italianate Cinquecento style. They are housed under an arched glass-paned roof that is supported by a cast-iron frame. The roof helps to illuminate the space in natural light.
Shopping and Dining
Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert offers its visitors a wide variety of specialty shops ranging from high-end fashion boutiques to quaint bookshops. Yes, just like the original motto, there really is something for everyone here.
Many of Belgium’s famous chocolate brands are here, including Neuhaus and Godiva. And for those looking to dine in style, several exceptional restaurants and historic cafés are dotted throughout the galleries. So, no matter what time or day or what you are looking to eat, there is a place to grab a bite for you.
Entertainment and Culture
The Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert is not just a shopping center as it also includes a few different entertainment and cultural options. It is home to the Théâtre des Galeries, an ornate theater where you can see various plays and concerts. There is also the Cinéma Galeries which shows a variety of international and independent films.
All in all, the Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert is a great place to visit for so many reasons – from shopping, dining,
