Laeken Royal Greenhouses
Bruxelles-Capitale: Région de
The Royal Greenhouses of Laeken are an impressive complex of monumental heated greenhouses located in the park of the Royal Palace of Laeken in Brussels, Belgium. Commissioned by King Leopold II and designed initially by architect Alphonse Balat, the greenhouses were constructed between 1874 and 1905, with contributions from Henri Maquet and Charles Girault after Balat's death. The complex showcases a vast collection of tropical, subtropical, and cold plants, including notable camellias, orange trees, and botanical specimens from the former Belgian Congo, symbolizing Belgium's colonial heritage. Architecturally, the greenhouses represent a pioneering use of metal and glass, featuring monumental pavilions, glass domes, and extensive galleries that resemble a glass city within a hilly landscape. Decorative plant and flower motifs in the steel structures foreshadow the Art Nouveau style. The Winter Garden still serves for royal receptions, and the greenhouses open to the public for about twenty days each spring, offering both indoor and outdoor experiences with walking routes through the gardens and the glass structures. The site is a key cultural and botanical landmark reflecting Belgium's royal and colonial history.
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Tip: The Royal Greenhouses open annually in spring, usually from mid-April to early May, for about three weeks. Tickets are highly sought after and sell out quickly, with no waiting lists or additional releases. Visitors can choose between a shorter indoor greenhouse tour or a longer route that includes a walk through the royal domain gardens featuring picturesque spots like temple ruins and rose arches. Note that some sections, such as the Winter Garden, may be closed for renovations in certain years. The greenhouses are accessible via the Stuyvenbergh metro station (line 6). Booking tickets well in advance is recommended due to high demand.
Zajímavosti
- •The greenhouses cover a total floor area of 2.5 hectares (6.2 acres), resembling a glass city nestled in a hilly landscape.
- •They contain the Royal Botanic Collection, including large camellia collections and plants from the former Belgian Congo.
- •The Iron Church greenhouse was originally a royal chapel, later converted into a private royal bathing house.
- •The heating system now uses residual heat from a nearby incinerator to warm the greenhouses, reflecting modern sustainability efforts.
- •The architect Alphonse Balat, who designed the greenhouses, was a mentor to Victor Horta, a key figure in Art Nouveau architecture.
Historie
The original gardens of Laeken date back to the 18th century but were extensively redesigned by King Leopold II after being inspired by London's Crystal Palace in 1851.
Construction of the greenhouses began in 1874 under architect Alphonse Balat, whose innovative metal-and-glass design surpassed contemporary botanical structures.
After Balat's death in 1895, architects Henri Maquet and Charles Girault continued the work, completing the complex by 1905.
The greenhouses symbolized Belgium's colonial power, housing plants from the Congo Free State established by Leopold II.
The Iron Church, a domed greenhouse initially serving as a royal chapel, was later converted into a private bathing house.
Since then, the greenhouses have been preserved as part of the royal domain and opened briefly to the public each spring.
Průvodce po místě
Palmenplateau1874-1905
A key section of the greenhouse complex consisting of multiple interconnected greenhouses including the Debarcadère, Palmenserre, Azaleaserre, Geraniumgalerij, Dianaserre, and Spiegelserre, showcasing diverse tropical and subtropical plants.
Perronserre (Embarcadère)1886-1888
Historically served as the reception area for guests entering the greenhouse complex, featuring elegant glass and iron architecture.
Congoserre1886-1888
A square greenhouse dedicated to subtropical plants from the Congo, reflecting the botanical legacy of Belgium's colonial empire.
OrangeryLate 19th century
A greenhouse used to overwinter orange and laurel trees as well as camellias displayed on the esplanade in front of the Orangery during warmer months.
Kontakt
Telefon: 02 551 20 20