The idea of having a town hall to reflect Brussels’ growth as a major European trading center had been under consideration since the end of the thirteenth century. It was not until 1401 that the fist foundation stone was laid and the buildings was finally completed in 1459, emerging as the finest civic building in the country, a stature it still enjoys.

Jacques van Thienen was commissioned to design the left wing and belfry of the building, where he used ornate columns, sculptures, turrets and arcades. The tower and spire begun in 1449 by Jan van Ruysbroeck helped seal its reputation. In 1995, the 1455 statue of he city’s patron saint, Michael, was restored and returned to its famous position on top to the tower in 1997, where it is used as a weather vane. Tours are available of the interior, which contains fifteenth century tapestries and works of art.

Aldermen’s Room is still in use today for the meetings of the aldermen and mayor of Brussels, this council chamber contains a series of eighteenth century tapestries depicting the history of sixth century King Clovis.

Conference Room Council Chamber is the most splendid of all the public rooms, which has ancient tapestries and gilt mirrors line the walls above an inlaid floor.