Le Botanique

Le Botanique (French pronunciation: [lə bɔtanik]) is a cultural complex and music venue in Saint-Josse-ten-Noode, Brussels, Belgium.

The first botanical garden in Brussels belonged to the École Centrale of the department of the Dyle that was created during the French rule of Belgium at the end of the 18th century.

But, the independence of Belgium (1830–31) was detrimental to the Dutch-born institution; it was regarded as orangist, as a mere playground for the local elites, and as not useful for the country's agriculture, among other critiques.

The State and the City did not want to support it anymore unless it proved useful to the whole country, so the Botanical Garden was obliged to develop its commercial activities.

It sold plants by the thousands, and created several money-consuming attractions and events for the local elite, like aquaria, a dance room, fairs, a fish nursery, concerts etc.

[2] The annual Les Nuits Botanique ("The Botanical Nights") festival, held during the spring, sees a large number of musicians performing.