The BIP or “House of the Region”, is a neoclassical building and one of few last traces of French occupation in the country. This location was home to a princely home from as early as the 11^th century. In the 18^th century, an immense fire destroyed the Coudenberg Palace, which gave the square the name “Cour brulée” (burned square), and as such no renovation works were carried out.

When it was finally reconstructed, thanks to several financing arrangements, the courtyard was turned into 8 residences. The new Place Royale also became a public square. At the beginning of the 20th century, there was one final wave of architectural changes made, transforming the building into a Lloyds bank, then a café and then a bookshop. Today, the two remaining residences belong to the Brussels-Capital Region. The headquarters of the Brussels regional government is housed in one, with the other occupied by, among others, the Tourism office and experience.brussels. The building’s use as a bank is still evident, with the monumental marble and panelling, and the “Salle des Guichets” (counter room) which has kept its name to this day.