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Le Botanique: Brussels' Cultural Greenhouse

Explore Brussels' vibrant cultural hub at Le Botanique, a historic botanical garden turned center for music, art, and exhibitions.

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Le Botanique, a former botanical garden turned cultural center in Brussels, offers a unique blend of history, art, and music. Housed in a stunning neoclassical glass and wrought-iron building, it's a vibrant space for concerts, exhibitions, and artistic residencies.

A brief summary to Le Botanique

  • Wednesday 12 pm-6 pm
  • Thursday 12 pm-6 pm
  • Friday 12 pm-6 pm
  • Saturday 12 pm-6 pm
  • Sunday 12 pm-6 pm

Local tips

  • Check the event schedule in advance, as Le Botanique hosts a wide variety of concerts, exhibitions, and performances throughout the year.
  • Take advantage of the free bike parking available at the entrance if you're cycling.
  • Consider purchasing a Bota'Carte if you plan to visit Le Botanique frequently, as it offers discounts and other benefits.
  • Be aware of the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) regulations if you're driving to Le Botanique.
  • Visit the gardens surrounding Le Botanique for a peaceful stroll and to admire the historical statues and trees.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Brussels Central Station, take metro lines 2 or 6 towards Elisabeth and get off at Botanique/Kruidtuin station. The journey takes approximately 10 minutes. From Brussels-North station, it's a 10-15 minute walk. Alternatively, take tram lines 92 or 93, or bus line 61 to the Botanique stop. A single metro/tram/bus ticket costs €2.10.

  • Walking

    From the Grand Place, walk north along Rue du Marché aux Herbes, then continue onto Rue Neuve. Turn right onto Boulevard du Jardin Botanique. Le Botanique will be on your left after approximately 15 minutes. This is a straightforward walk of about 1.5 km, offering views of the city center.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from Brussels Central Station to Le Botanique typically costs between €10-€15, depending on traffic. The journey usually takes 5-10 minutes. Use nearby landmarks like Hotel Bloom! or the Jardin Botanique park entrance for easy drop-off.

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Discover more about Le Botanique

Le Botanique, located on Rue Royale in Brussels, is a cultural complex with a rich history. Originally inaugurated in 1829 as the National Botanic Garden of Belgium, it served as a haven for science and botanical studies for over a century. Designed by architect Charles-Henri Petersen, the garden quickly became a prominent scientific institution. However, financial difficulties led to a shift towards commercial activities. In 1870, the Belgian State acquired the grounds, ensuring its preservation as a public esplanade and center for scientific research. In 1938, the botanical resources were relocated to Meise, leaving the original site in need of a new purpose. On January 23, 1984, Le Botanique was reborn as the cultural center for the French Community of Belgium. Today, Le Botanique is renowned for its diverse programming, hosting an average of 300 concerts, 10 exhibitions, and 100 residencies each year. The complex features several distinct venues, each offering a unique atmosphere. The Orangerie, with a capacity of 650, is the largest and most iconic space, hosting a wide range of musical performances. The Rotonde, a circular hall accommodating 300, provides a more intimate setting. The Witloof Bar, a smaller, vaulted space, offers a cozy environment for emerging artists and experimental performances. Additionally, Le Botanique includes gallery spaces like Le Museum and La Galerie, dedicated to showcasing visual arts and photography exhibitions. Le Botanique is easily accessible by public transport, with the Botanique/Kruidtuin metro station and several tram and bus stops nearby. The surrounding gardens provide a peaceful escape from the urban environment, featuring historical statues and a remarkable collection of large trees.

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