The History Of Belgiums BELvue Museum In One Minute

Located in the old Hôtel Bellevue in in Brussels, this museum is quite a sight. The major events of Belgium’s national history – from the Revolution to the World Wars – are beautifully showcased in the old hotel’s grand rooms, making it a true haven for history lovers.

The Hôtel Bellevue has an intriguing history: built in the 18th century, during its lifetime it received such important guests as Sarah Bernhardt, Honoré de Balzac, Franz Liszt, Ulysses S Grant, King Edward VII, the German emperor William I, and the last French empress, Eugénie de Montijo. In 1977, the building became a public museum of Belgian history.
The hotel itself is inextricably linked to the country’s history, as it was built close to the ruins of the Coudenberg Castle, a 12th-century landmark which witnessed many of Brussel’s major historical events, as well as housing important historical figures, such as Emperor Charles V, and great artists like Bruegel and Rubens. It burned down in the 18th century, but some elements have been preserved underground – although the remnants are actually beneath the neighbouring Place Royal, you can only enter them through the BELvue Museum.
The museum is an ideal place to visit if you’re keen to get a crash course in Belgian history during your trip. Although it only covers the period between 1830 (when Belgium gained independence from the Kingdom of the Netherlands) and the present day (to delve further back, visit the Coudenberg Castle ruins), the various exhibits give an excellent sense of how the country was shaped, presenting history with modern issues in mind and many interactive elements.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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