Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

Overview

The Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert (1847) is one of the oldest covered shopping arcades in Europe. Designed by architect Jean-Pierre Cluysenaar, its three interconnected glass-roofed galleries house luxury chocolate shops, bookstores, and a historic cinema.

Highlights

• Glass Vault: A glazed barrel-vault roof running 213 metres, bathing the marble floors in natural light.
• Chocolate Shops: Neuhaus (inventors of the praline in 1912) and Marcolini are both here.
• Cinéma des Galeries: A beautifully preserved 1930s art house cinema.

History

Opened 20 June 1847, predating Milan's Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II by 20 years. Victor Hugo and Karl Marx both frequented its cafés during their Brussels exile.

Visitor Tips

• Free to Walk: No entry fee — just stroll through.
• Rain Plan: Perfect rainy-day activity.
• Duration: 30–40 minutes.