South Palace

The South Palace stretches roughly 175 meters along Boulevard Lemonnier, combining blue and white stone in its facade with large shop windows and distinctive corner pavilions. Inside, it houses a high school, sports facilities, and about thirty shops spread across different levels.

Architect Wynand Janssens designed the structure between 1875 and 1880, following the covering of the Senne River. This project was part of Brussels's urban modernization to boost commercial growth in the city center.

The building functions as a hub where students, shoppers, and neighbors gather daily for education, commerce, and sports. The shops and athletic facilities shape how people in this area live and interact with their community.

The building connects directly to Lemonnier premetro station, making it easy to reach by public transport. Keep in mind that the space houses both shops and a school, so some areas can get crowded during peak hours.

The Passage du Travail divides the building into two wings while preserving its original commercial design through pilasters and display windows. This hidden passage allows visitors to move through different sections of the complex and experience the 19th-century architecture firsthand.

Location: City of Brussels

Architects: Wynand Janssens, Maurice Van Ysendyck, André and Jean Polak

Official opening: 1880

Architectural style: eclectic architecture

GPS coordinates: 50.84157,4.34334

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:42