Mont des Arts
The Mont des Arts (IPA: [ˌmɔ̃ dɛ ˈzaʀ]; in Dutch: Kunstberg, IPA: [ˈkynstbɛrɣ]; literally, “hill/mountain of the arts”) is a historic site in the center of Brussels.
The showcase square was created for the Universal Exposition held in Brussels in 1910. It featured a park and a monumental staircase with cascading fountains descending the gentle slope from Place Royale down to Emperor Boulevard.
The original square was destroyed during the post-war construction frenzy known as Brusselization: between 1954 and 1965, the square and its surroundings gave way to massive, severely geometric postmodern structures such as the Royal Library of Belgium and the Palais des Congrès.
The Mont des Arts offers one of Brussels’ finest views. From the vantage point on a hill, the famous tower of the City Hall at Grand Place is clearly visible. On a sunny day, the Koekelberg Basilica and even the Atomium can be seen.
Major tourist attractions are located within walking distance from the Mont des Arts: the Musical Instrument Museum, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, the Royal Palace, and the city’s cathedral.
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