There is a brand new way to discover Brussels City Hall on the Grand Place thanks to the innovative video guides. These interactive guides offer a chance to get immersed into the emblematic Town Hall building from every angle and on your own pace.
The City of Brussels is inviting visitors to plunge into the heart of the City Hall and get transported through the centuries thanks to this new special experience. Anyone wanting to discover this magnificent building will enjoy the video guides which contain entertaining anecdotes about the town hall, explanations of the various works of art and 360 images.
The guided tours of City Hall on the Grand Place are becoming a true must-see for anyone who wants to immerse in this unique Brussels’ heritage.
The imposing silhouette of the City Hall on the Grand-Place is unmissible. This building is a jewel of Gothic architecture, built in the 15th century with a classical extension in the 18th century. It houses unique architectural and artistic treasures. Following the move of the aldermen’s and alderwomen’s offices to Brucity (the City of Brussels’ brand-new administrative building nearby), the guided tours of City Hall are becoming a true must-see for anyone who wants to immerse in this unique Brussels’ heritage.
In 23 stages around the bend of a monumental staircase, a precious cabinet or a room very familiar to the people of Brussels, this tour takes you on a journey from one era to another, thereby retracing nearly six centuries of history.
Visitors will be accompanied on this journey by two animated characters, Michel and Gudule, who will make the visit even more enjoyable.
The video guides are hosted by Michel and Gudule, two Brussels actors with a passion for the City Hall. Their warm voices and endless anecdotes add a modern touch to the historical discovery. In addition, audiovisual capsules highlight Brussels showcase such as Madame Chapeau, Brigitte Bocken, Alain Bossuyt, Cynthia Bolingo and Philippe Geluck, offering a contemporary perspective on this place which is so steeped in history.
What to expect?
The «Adult Tour» presents a complete historical overview (even more extensive than the traditional guided tours) and enables you to discover everything there is to know about the City Hall, its works, and an overview of Belgian and Brussels history.
The «Family Tour» is presented in a more entertaining way, with a less complex level of information while retaining the same content. It is aimed at children aged 6 to 12, but of course parents can watch it too! Games appear throughout the visit, allowing you to collect puzzle pieces which reveal a surprise on the screen at the end of the tour.
The content of the video guides was developed in collaboration with Roel Jacobs, a historian specialising in the history of the City of Brussels, and the scientific departments of the City’s museums. For more intrepid visitors, the panoramic guided tours up to the tower will remain available at the weekends, which offers a 360-degree view of the city. It is a breathtaking experience which lets you admire the Brussels skyline.
Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or a family in search of adventure, a visit to Brussels City Hall will definitely enchant and inspire you. Get more info on the official site: Discover Brussels City Hall.
When?
Monday, Wednesday and Sunday from 11am until 5pm.
Friday and Saturday from 3 until 8pm.
Duration: 1 hour
The Visio guide is available in French, Dutch, English, German, Spanish and Italian.
*As from the 29 November 2024 (the start of Winter Wonders festival in Brussels) the visits will take place at different hours: Monday, Wednesday and Sunday, from 11am until 5pm.
