La Patinoire Royale is a contemporary art gallery on Rue Veydt in Brussels’s Saint-Gilles district, set inside a former roller-skating rink built in 1877. Its high ceilings, white walls and neoclassical details give changing exhibitions room for large-scale installations and other contemporary works. The gallery presents artists from Belgium and abroad, so what you see depends on the current exhibition. Entry is free, making it an easy stop for art and architecture in the same visit.
From roller rink to gallery
Built in 1877 in Saint-Gilles, La Patinoire Royale was originally a roller-skating rink, among the earliest in Europe. The building later took on a new role as a contemporary art gallery, keeping its historic architecture while adapting the interior for exhibitions.
Exhibitions and artists
The gallery presents Belgian artists alongside artists from abroad, including emerging and established practitioners. Its programme spans painting, sculpture, photography and other forms of visual art. Installations can take advantage of the building’s tall rooms, while the white walls offer a quieter setting for individual works. Check the current exhibition before visiting to know what is on view.
FAQ
Is entry to La Patinoire Royale free?
Yes, entry is free.
Where is La Patinoire Royale?
It is at Rue Veydt 15 in the Saint-Gilles district of Brussels.
What was La Patinoire Royale before it became a gallery?
The building opened in 1877 as a roller-skating rink.
Is La Patinoire Royale wheelchair accessible?
Stairs at the entrance can make access difficult for wheelchair users. The gallery is spacious once inside.
