Albertine

   The Albertine denotes the complex of buildings in the Mont des Arts area. Projects to construct a cultural edifice in memory of the late king Albert I date to 1936. Despite vigorous opposition from preservationists, development plans proceeded. A jury chose a project presented by Maurice Houyoux (1903-1960) and Joseph Diongre (1878-1963), and architect Jules Gobert crafted a scheme by which the rue Montagne de la Cour was extended to encompass terraces, parterres, and stairways in meeting the need to account for the elevation difference.

   The Albertine includes the Bibliothèque royale de Belgique, the Palais des Congrès, and the Palais de la Dynastie. The buildings were constructed between 1954 and 1969. The grouping includes the classical apartments of the Palais de Charles de Lorraine. The latter structure was moved slightly so as to align with the Bibliothèque.