The Hotel Métropole is a a superbly renovated Hotel, whose gracious
charm has been splendidly preserved. It is the city's only remaining 19th
century Hotel, perpetuating an uniquely Belgian character that sets the note for
a delightful stay in Brussels. The Hotel which was built in 1895 and offers
every facet of service and true comfort, based on the best traditions of
hospitality and elegance.
HistoryThe
Palace on the Brouckere place:
Since the
turn of the century de Brouckere Square has symbolized the animated heart of Brussels.
The Square's second to none architecture owes its harmony to its richly
decorated buildings and to the three wide
boulevards that lead to it. The
Square was built about 100
years
ago. In 1893,
the Augustins
Temple was built. This Temple was a
seventeenth century church, whose baroque facade that has
been reassembled on the site of Trinity church, can still be admired by the
inhabitants of Brussels. The Square was
dedicated to Charles de Brouckere, hero of the 1830
Revolution
and Burgomaster of Brussels. In the heart of the Square stood the Obelisk
Fountain in honour of Anspach, the Burgomaster who renovated downtown Brussels.
Around the Fountain emerged sumptuous, facades such as that of the Continental
Hotel and those of magnificent houses surrounding the North passageway.
It
is near the latter that the Metropole Cafe was set up in 1890,
by
the Wielemans brothers, brewers
in the commune of Forest, with the aim of promoting their beers. Due to their
tremendous success,
they bought the neighbouring building, the former 'Caisse d'Epargne'
headquarters and turned it into the Métropole Hotel. It is in this way
that a palace was born, embodying a new concept for the end of
the nineteenth century. A palace is, in other words, a luxurious Hotel equipped
with the most up-to-date facilities:
lifts,
electricity, central heating, not to mention the richness of the decor and high
quality service. At the pediment of the
Hotel can be found a triumphant allegory of the bourgeois era:
a
sculpted group with an imposing statue celebrating progress illuminating the
world. Inside, all architectural
styles are depicted in an air of luxury and richness of materials :
panelling,
polished teak, marble of Numibia, gilded
bronze and forged iron, all compete to give the impression of comfort of the 1900
era.
The French architect Alban Chambon,
already responsible for the decoration of the Metropole Cafe, was appointed by
the owners to carry out the interior design of the Hotel.
The French Renaissance main
Entrance leads to the Empire-style Reception Hall, where columns and pillars
line the room. The attentive
observer will linger in front of the beautiful stained-glass windows, which
would be used so widely later on, by the art-nouveau style.
To the right, lies a large Staircase and a Lift with its technology
proudly enhanced by its metallic beams. Chambon did not hesitate to call upon
the best artists and craftsmen of his era, who assisted him in his work.
It is in this respect that the bronze Nymph on the Fountain of the Roman-style
Restaurant, that has now been converted into a cafe, was signed by Julien
Dillens. An Indian Lounge and an Italian Renaissance Reception Hall completes
this refined collection of styles.
The
Métropole Hotel hosts numerous events of Brussels and international social
life. In 1911,
the first Solvay Physics Board
was held which brought, together personalities such as Einstein, Marie Curie,
Poincarre. The stars, crowned Heads
of State and the Politicians all resided at the Métropole,
balls and banquets followed on.
After the 1914-18
War,
which saw the Hotel requisitioned, the owners
undertook extension works by buying, in 1925,
a neighbouring building in order
to create new rooms. The extension works of the Metropole Cinema completed in 1932,
were far more important.
The building of the 3,000-seater theatre required the demolition of
several buildings on the rue Neuve. The
project included the creation of shops, a brewery, a disco 'La Fregate', banquet
halls and two floors of supplementary
rooms with a patio above the cinema. The
construction of this was carried out by Adrien Blomme, who designed an
authentic architectural masterpiece combining technical prowess with an esthetic
refinement. The facade of yellow
Travertin opens out on the rue Neuve with large glazed bays. The restrained
interior decoration, with mirrors, polished metals and precious wood is enhanced
by carefully purpose-built lightings. The
inauguration in the presence of Queen Astrid and Raimu was a great
social event.
The second world war saw the
Métropole Hotel requisitioned by Germans, during the occupation,
then for a year by the allies, but in the aftermath of war the Hotel enjoyed
another lucky era. The stars visiting Brussels, Sacha Guitry and other famous
guests stayed at the Hotel. Toots
Thielemans made his debut in the jazz orchestra that played in the cafe.
Since the completion of the works in 1976,
the Hotel made a new start, which
will take it well beyond its centenary which was celebrated in 1995.
In 1985,
"Le Bar 19eme" and the
restaurant 'L'Alban Chambon' was opened, which in 1989,
thanks
to his Chef Dominique Michou was awarded 2
red
chefs hats and 16/20
in the
Gault Millau culinary
guide. He is a member of the French culinary academy, Eurotoques. In 1991,
he was introduced
into the very select 'Association des Maltres Cuisiniers de Belgique' and in 1992,
into 'Association
des Maltres Cuisiniers de France' -
Associations
of Master Cooks of Belgium and France.
The
Restaurant has completely been renovated during the summer of 2002
giving
it a Baroque Italian decor.
The Hotel is located in Place de Brouckere, right at the heart of the
historical centre of the Capital of Europe, just steps from the Grand Place, the
Bourse, the Theatre de la Monnaie and close to the city's most exciting shopping
thoroughfare.
The Hotel's gastronomical Restaurant Alban Chambon, opened in 1985 and
completely renovated during summer 2002, featuring an unique Italian baroque
decoration. Dominique Michou, the Hotel's Executive Chef offers a classical, yet
daring French cuisine and is the only 'Maitre cuisenaire de France and Maitre
cuisenaire de Belgique'. He's also a member of Eurotoques and has been rewarded
a series of distinctions, among others 2 Red Hats and 16/20 in the Gault Millau
culinary guide as well as 2 Golden Keys on his personal name.
