Royal Theatre of La Monnaie, Opera house in Pentagon district, Brussels, Belgium
The Royal Mint Theatre features neoclassical and postmodern architectural elements, with a grand colonnade and a pediment depicting The Harmony of Human Passions.
Built in 1700 on a former mint site, the theatre underwent major reconstructions in 1819 by architect Damesme and in 1856 by Poelaert following a fire.
The theater seats 1,700 spectators and hosts the National Opera of Belgium, presenting operas, concerts, and dance performances throughout the year.
The venue provides wheelchair access, an orchestra pit that accommodates 90 musicians, and a stage tower extending nine stories high.
During the Belgian Revolution in 1830, a performance of Auber's opera at the Royal Mint Theatre sparked demonstrations that contributed to Belgian independence.
Location: City of Brussels
Architects: Louis-Emmanuel-Aimé Damesme, Joseph Poelaert
Official opening: October 17, 1700
Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture, postmodern architecture
Capacity: 1700
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Address: Pl. de la Monnaie, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 12:00-18:00
Phone: +3222291200
Website: https://lamonnaiedemunt.be
GPS coordinates: 50.84959,4.35425
Latest update: May 27, 2025 17:31
Brussels offers photographers a range of architectural subjects spanning several centuries. The medieval Grand-Place forms the historic center, while Art Nouveau buildings such as the Musée Horta and Maison Cauchie document the artistic flourishing around 1900. The Atomium, built for the 1958 World's Fair, represents postwar modernism and has become one of the city's most photographed landmarks. The Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert ranks among Europe's oldest covered shopping arcades and displays the elegant construction techniques of the 19th century. The Mont des Arts connects different neighborhoods through a terraced garden with views over the old town. Parc du Cinquantenaire features neoclassical triumphal arches, while the Porte de Hal remains the last surviving medieval city gate. The Basilique du Sacré-Cœur in Koekelberg shows Art Deco influences in its monumental architecture. Quieter spots include the Étangs d'Ixelles, two ponds in the neighborhood of the same name, or the Forêt de Soignes, an extensive beech forest on the city's edge. Avenue Louise connects residential and commercial districts through various architectural styles. Smaller passages such as Galerie Bortier or Passage du Nord complement the major arcades. Rue des Bouchers is known for its restaurant facades, while Rue de la Cigogne features historic townhouses. Photographically interesting details include the Art Nouveau metro station Pannenhuis or the modernist Bâtiment CBR. The Château de Laeken serves as a royal residence and opens to visitors only during the annual opening of the Serres Royales. Le Botanique, a former botanical garden, now houses a cultural center. Place Royale and the adjacent Palais Royal form the political heart of the city. Smaller squares like Place Flagey offer local scenes away from the main routes.
The most important opera houses of the 19th century form an architectural group that reflects the history of classical music. These buildings, located in major world capitals, showcase various styles: neoclassical, neobaroque, modern. Their architectures reflect the evolution of acoustic techniques and performing arts. From the Teatro San Carlo in Naples to the Palais Garnier in Paris, these buildings are references in theatrical architecture.
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