Paul-Henri Spaak building, European Parliament office building in Brussels, Belgium
The Paul-Henri Spaak building is a parliamentary office building in Brussels featuring a hemicycle chamber that seats 627 lawmakers. Its distinctive oval design incorporates glass facades and connects to neighboring European institutions through internal passageways.
The building opened in 1993 as part of the Espace Léopold development, replacing a former brewery and railway yard. This construction marked a major urban renewal effort in Brussels' parliamentary district.
A bronze statue called 'Europe' greets visitors at the entrance, depicting the mythological figure carried by a crowd of people. The sculpture serves as a visual representation of continental identity and connection.
The building connects to the Altiero Spinelli building via the Konstantinos Karamanlis bridge, allowing easy movement between parliamentary institutions. Early mornings or late afternoons offer quieter times to observe the exterior and surrounding plaza areas.
The structure earned the local nickname 'Caprice des Dieux' because its shape resembles a French cheese box with the same name. This playful comparison has become known among Brussels visitors exploring the parliamentary quarter.
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