Archives of the City of Brussels, city archive of the City of Brussels
The Archives of the City of Brussels is a protected heritage building and service facility in the old city that holds official documents, photographs, and other materials. The collection spans from the Middle Ages to the present and includes government records, building plans, certificates, and personal items that document daily life in the city.
The archives originated from the need to preserve the city's administrative records starting from the Middle Ages. Over centuries, the collection expanded to include papers that show how Brussels developed and changed through different periods.
The name reflects the institution's role as keeper of the city's official memory and identity. Visitors can observe how Brussels has documented itself over time, from formal government records to everyday items like flyers and photographs that show how people lived.
The archives are located on Rue des Tanneurs and open on weekdays from 9 to 16; Monday is closed. Visitors must book an appointment in advance through the online system or by phone, and it helps to search the online catalogue beforehand to identify which documents to request.
The archives accept donations of documents and objects from residents to expand its collection and keep the city's story alive. This practice allows personal and private records to become part of the official city documentation, creating a more complete picture of how people lived in Brussels.
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