Palace on the Meir

Mattheus Ignatius van Bree (1773-1839)

Dutch Parlour

Lucid - Herita

Meir 50, Antwerpen

Coveted by many, inhabited by few. The history of the Paleis op de Meir continues to be a subject of fascination. At the heart of this architectural gem you will find the majestic Dutch Parlour. Definitely worth a visit.

Lucid - Herita

Palace on the Meir

The Paleis op de Meir is a ‘royal palace’ located in the commercial heart of the city of Antwerp. In the mid-eighteenth century, the merchant Johan Alexander van Susteren commissioned a leading architect, Jan Pieter Van Baurscheit, to build this Rococo style palace. In 1812, Napoleon Bonaparte bought the stately home and had it redecorated to reflect his own taste, i.e. empire style. In the end the emperor never slept there. The next owner was King William I of the Netherlands, who commissioned the artist Mattheus van Bree to create a Dutch Salon in honour of the Orange Dynasty. However, the Belgian Revolution of 1830 led to a new royal house taking ownership.

Dutch Parlour

In 1829, William I commissioned Mattheus Ignatius van Bree to decorate three of the rooms. Van Bree, a native of Antwerp, painted portraits and historical genre pieces. The Hollands Salon clearly demonstrates the quality of his work. Bas-reliefs depicting historical events and 23 portrait medallions illustrate the glorious past of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Lucid - Herita

Practical information

Address

Meir 50

2000 Antwerpen

Belgium

View directions

Opening hours

From 9 July to 28 August, open Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11.00 to 17.00 hrs.
From September 2023 visits will only be possible during temporary exhibitions and via group tours.