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TLDR: Mont des Arts (Kunstberg) is a historic urban garden and viewpoint connecting the Royal Quarter with the Grand Place. It is famous for its geometric garden, the Carillon (musical clock), and panoramic views of the Brussels skyline. The public space is free to visit 24/7.
Located between the Royal Palace and the Grand Place, Mont des Arts ("Hill of the Arts") is the cultural heart of Brussels.
Originally built for the 1910 Universal Exhibition, this elevated complex offers the city's best sunset views. It is surrounded by major museums like the Magritte Museum and the KBR (Royal Library).
This guide covers the best photo spots, the musical clock schedule, and how to get there.
What is the story behind Mont des Arts?
The hill was reshaped around 1908 to 1910 at King Leopold II’s request for a grand urban stage before the 1910 exhibition. The current look dates to the 1950s, when landscape architect René Pechère designed the geometric garden for Expo 58. Today it is flanked by the Royal Library of Belgium and cultural venues, with a clean sightline to Grand Place’s spire.
- First layout, 1910 exhibition
- Redesign, 1950s for Expo 58
- Neighbours, Royal Library and museums
Is the Mont des Arts free?
Yes, the garden, terrace, and stairs are free, open daily, and popular with locals on lunch breaks. Events sometimes add barriers, but access generally remains. The Royal Library and nearby museums are ticketed, separate from the terrace.
- Terrace and garden, free access
- Occasional event barriers
- Museums and library, paid sections
What does Place des Arts mean in English?
In French, Place des Arts means Arts Square. In Brussels, the site is called Mont des Arts, which translates to Hill of the Arts, Dutch Kunstberg. Different wording, same idea, a cultural precinct on a raised terrace.
If your map says Kunstberg, you are still in the right spot.
When is the best time to visit Mont des Arts?
Early morning means empty benches and pastel light. Late afternoon paints the façades warm, and blue hour makes the glass-roofed station glow. Summer weekends are busier, yet still pleasant for people watching.
I like sunrise photos, then a coffee on Rue Ravenstein. For timing nudges and quiet angles, run the StoryHunt audiowalk as you approach.
- Sunrise, calm and clear views
- Golden hour, warm façades
- Blue hour, skyline silhouettes
What is the best Mont des Arts viewpoint?
The complex is divided into two parts: the lower geometric garden and the upper viewpoint.
- The Garden: Lined with plane trees and fountains, it is a popular spot for locals to eat lunch.
- The View: Climb the grand staircase to the Coudenberg level. From here, you can see the spire of the Town Hall and, on a clear day, the Atomium and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in the distance.
How to get to Mont des Arts Brussels?
Mont des Arts is the central hinge of the city.
- Train: Get off at Brussels Central Station (Gare Centrale). Take the "Magdalena" or "Kunstberg" exit, and you are essentially at the foot of the hill.
- Walking: It is a 5-minute uphill walk from the Grand Place or a 2-minute walk from the Royal Palace.
- Metro: Lines 1 and 5 stop at Gare Centrale.
What to see at Mont des Arts?
Treat it as a lens on the city. Linger on the terrace, then dip into the Royal Library of Belgium for the KBR museum, or pair the view with BOZAR or the Magritte Museum nearby. Street musicians add soundtrack on fair days. I often loop down to the Galeries Royales after.
Top sights at Mont des Arts:
- The Viewpoint: The stairs at the top offer the classic postcard view of the Town Hall spire (HĂ´tel de Ville).
- The Carillon (Star Clock): Look for the large clock face with twelve points on the archway near the bottom of the hill. It features 12 bronze figurines representing historical figures and trades. The bells play a different melody every 15 minutes, with a longer song on the hour. It is one of the most charming hidden details of the square.
- The Garden: A neo-classical geometric garden designed by René Pechère, popular for relaxing.
- KBR (Royal Library): Houses a hidden rooftop cafeteria with great views.
What is the prettiest street in Brussels?
Hard to crown a single winner, but for drama, I start here, then wander to Rue de la Régence toward Sablon, and Rue des Chartreux in the Dansaert quarter for character. Mont des Arts is not a street, yet its terrace delivers Brussels’ best postcard view.
- Rue de la RĂ©gence, museum mile vibes
- Rue des Chartreux, independent energy
- Place du Grand Sablon, golden hour glow
Is it worth seeing Mont des Arts?
Yes, though manage expectations. It is a viewpoint and a pass-through, not a single blockbuster attraction. Crowds gather at peak times, and weather can flatten the skyline on gray days. Still, the free access, architectural symmetry, and museum cluster make it high value. To turn a good view into a great visit, use StoryHunt’s audiowalk to link the stories under your feet.
- Strengths, free, central, photogenic
- Weak spots, crowds, weather dependent
- Verdict, essential stop with context
What else is nearby Mont des Arts?
This hill tops a compact cultural triangle, perfect for a powered stroll to all the main attractions in Brussels that saves time and carbon.
- Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, 1847 glass arcade and chocolatiers
- Grand Place, UNESCO-listed square with the City Museum
- Cathedrale des Saints Michel et Gudule, Gothic calm on the ridge
- Palais Royal, stately façade bordering Parc de Bruxelles
Ready to explore with purpose, download the StoryHunt Brussels audiowalk. Start or finish at Mont des Arts Brussels, let the city narrate itself in your ears, and keep your footprint light.
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