The Palace of the Academies was originally built between 1823 and 1825 for the Prince of Orange, who lived there until Belgian independence in 1830. Architect Charles Vander Straeten designed the building, drawing inspiration from the theories of the Frenchman Jean-Nicolas-Louis Durand, who advocated a highly pared-down neoclassical style. Rigorous symmetry, restrained articulation, regular rhythm and the sober trichromy of the materials make the building a fine example of this purist current. After being placed under sequestration for twelve years, it became State property and was offered in 1853 to the future King Leopold II, who never lived there. In 1862, the building was transformed to house the Museum of Contemporary Art. Finally, the Royal Academy of Sciences, Letters and Fine Arts and the Royal Academy of Medicine moved in in 1877. The palace was decorated and fitted out under the direction of Tilman-François Suys between 1825 and 1828. It preserves several fine salons with precious marquetry floors, as well as a reception hall of grand proportions. (Listed since 10/10/2001)