# Egmont Palace Palais d'Egmont / Egmontpaleis

- **Country:** Belgium
- **Coordinates:** 50.838611, 4.357778
- **Location Text:** City of Brussels

The Egmont Palace, also known as the Arenberg Palace, is a prominent neoclassical building located at Square du Petit Sablon 8 in the City of Brussels, Belgium. Construction of the original structure began in 1548 under the patronage of Countess Françoise of Luxembourg and her husband, Lamoral, Count of Egmont. While the initial dates of completion fall around 1560, the palace underwent significant transformations over the centuries, with its current architectural form largely finalized around 1910. This evolution reflects the changing tastes and requirements of its various owners, resulting in the grand neoclassical facade and interiors seen today. The site holds protected heritage status, having been officially designated as such in September 1992 by the Brussels-Capital Region.

Historically, the palace is deeply connected to the noble House of Egmont, though it later passed to the House of Arenberg, which explains its alternate name. Its most significant modern role began when it became property of the Belgian state. Currently, the palace serves as the official venue for the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, hosting high-level diplomatic meetings, international conferences, and state receptions. It remains a vital center for Belgian diplomacy and international relations within the European capital. The building is well-served by public transport, with easy access via the Porte de Namur metro station, ensuring its continued accessibility for government functions and official events.

Despite its long history spanning nearly five centuries, the Egmont Palace remains in excellent condition, actively maintained as a functional government asset rather than a static museum. Its enduring presence on the Petite Sablon square makes it a key landmark in Brussels, bridging the gap between the city's aristocratic past and its modern status as a hub of international politics. The combination of its historical origins with the Count of Egmont and its contemporary use by the Foreign Ministry underscores its lasting importance in Belgian national life.

![Photo of Egmont Palace Palais d'Egmont / Egmontpaleis](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/54/Palais_d%27Egmont_Egmontpaleis_Brussels_2012-08_i02.JPG)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egmont_Palace (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)