Palace of the Nation, Official residence in Gombe, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Palais de la Nation stands along the Congo River and combines Beaux-Arts architecture with modern elements in its grand ceremonial spaces. The building serves as both the workplace and residence of the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The first design dates from 1924, but construction only began with the laying of the first stone in 1956, following Marcel Lambrichs' winning entry in the 1951 competition. The building was completed in June 1960, in time to house the new parliament, where Patrice Lumumba denounced colonial rule on 30 June 1960 before King Baudouin. It has served as the president's official residence since 2001.

The entrance displays a memorial dedicated to Laurent-Désiré Kabila, replacing a former equestrian statue of King Leopold II that was removed in 1967. This change marks how the place reflects the nation's evolving identity.

The building sits on the riverbank in Gombe and is visible from the street. Visitors should check access policies in advance since it functions as an active government residence.

The first design for the palace dates from 1924, when architect Maurice Vander Elst modelled it on the Royal Museum for Central Africa in Tervuren and the Royal Palace of Brussels. Two competitions and a depression later, Marcel Lambrichs' winning entry was finally built from 1956 and finished in June 1960, just as Congo became independent.