Maison de l'Arbre d'Or - Den Gulden Boom, Guild house in Grand Place, Belgium
Maison de l'Arbre d'Or is a baroque guild house on the Grand Place featuring a symmetrical facade with Doric and Corinthian columns, rounded arches, and detailed balustrades across multiple stories. The stonework displays rich ornaments and relief carvings that reflect the craftsmanship of its former occupants.
The building was constructed in 1698 following designs by architect Guillaume de Bruyn and initially housed the brewers' guild. A major renovation in 1854 under Jacques Jacquet's direction substantially altered its exterior appearance.
The building once served as the headquarters of the brewers' guild and reflects how important brewing was to Brussels' identity. Today visitors can explore the brewing museum located in the cellars to learn about local beer traditions.
The building sits at number 10 on the square and contains a museum in the cellar displaying beer history and brewing techniques. Visitors can explore the underground rooms to gain insight into how brewing was practiced in earlier times.
The facade gained a central bas-relief and equestrian statue in 1854 commemorating Charles of Lorraine through detailed sculptural work. These additions reveal that the building's modernization also served to communicate political and historical messages.
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