Huis van de Hertogen van Brabant

Description

The "House of the Dukes of Brabant" (French: Maison des Ducs de Brabant) is a classical baroque building on Brussels' Grand Place, occupying the entire southeastern side. Designed by city architect Willem de Bruyn, it was constructed between 1697 and 1698 following the 1695 bombardment of Brussels. The structure comprises seven individual houses: De Faem, De Cluyse, De Fortuine, De Windmolen, De Tinnepot, De Heuvel, and De Borse, which are unified under a single monumental façade. The name derives from busts of the Dukes of Brabant integrated into the façade. Around 1770, architect Laurent-Benoît Dewez introduced neoclassical modifications, including a curved pediment in the theme of abundance.