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Le Botanique: A Brussels Cultural Oasis

Explore Le Botanique in Brussels: where historic gardens meet vibrant culture, music, and art in a stunning 19th-century setting.

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Le Botanique, once Brussels' National Botanic Garden, is now a vibrant cultural center hosting concerts, art exhibitions, and performances. Its stunning 19th-century glasshouse architecture and surrounding gardens offer a unique blend of nature and culture in the heart of the city.

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 calendar in advance, as Le Botanique hosts a wide variety of concerts, exhibitions and performances.
  • Arrive early to explore the gardens and admire the sculptures before attending an event.
  • Use public transport to reach Le Botanique, as parking can be limited in the area.
  • Consider visiting during the Les Nuits Botanique festival in May for an eclectic mix of music.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    Le Botanique is easily accessible via Brussels' extensive public transport network. From Brussels-North Station, it's a 15-minute walk. Alternatively, take Metro lines 2 or 6 to the Botanique/Kruidtuin stop. Several bus and tram lines also stop nearby. A single metro/tram/bus ticket costs €2.10 if purchased in advance or €2.50 if purchased from the driver.

  • 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. The walk is approximately 20 minutes. This route is free.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Brussels. A taxi ride from Brussels Central Station to Le Botanique typically costs between €10 and €17, depending on traffic and time of day. Taxi fares generally start with a base fare of €2.60, plus €2.30 per kilometer and €0.60 per minute.

  • Car

    If driving, be aware that Le Botanique is located within Brussels' Low Emission Zone (LEZ). Check lez.brussels to ensure your vehicle meets the requirements. Several parking garages are available nearby, including Parking Bota (Rue Traversière 17) and Interparking Botanique (Boulevard du Jardin Botanique). Parking rates vary, but expect to pay around €5 for an evening (7 PM to 5 AM) at Parking Bota.

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Discover more about Le Botanique

Le Botanique, located on Rue Royale in Brussels, is a unique cultural complex housed in the former main orangery of the National Botanic Garden of Belgium. Inaugurated in 1829, the building and gardens, designed by architect Charles-Henri Petersen, initially served as a haven for science and botanical studies. The garden was created as a company by local bourgeois in 1826. However, financial problems led to the state acquiring the grounds in 1870, ensuring its preservation as a public space. In 1938, most of the botanical resources were moved to the new National Botanic Garden in Meise. Fifty years later, on January 23, 1984, the building was transformed into a cultural center for the French Community of Belgium. Today, Le Botanique hosts an average of 300 concerts, 10 exhibitions, and 100 residencies each year. The complex includes the 650-capacity Orangerie, the 300-capacity Rotonde, and the 200-capacity Witloof Bar. The surrounding gardens have been enhanced with special lighting, fountains, and 52 sculptures dating back to the 1890s. These sculptures, created by artists like Charles Samuel and Constantin Meunier, add to the serene atmosphere. Le Botanique is easily accessible by public transport, with the Botanique/Kruidtuin metro station nearby. It is a place where everyone feels at home and can fully enjoy the live experience.

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