For about a month each summer, the Royal Palace in downtown Brussels is open for visitors. Not only have I gone twice this summer, but I’ve also been recommending it to everyone else. It is one of the most beautiful palaces I have ever visited and it is free. That’s right, free! Each time I went, there were no lines at all and I was able to go inside right away.
I did spend one euro and bought the Visitors’ Guide 2015, which provides a map of the building (though the path one takes is clearly marked), explanations of what many of the things in the rooms are, and more details on the temporary exhibitions.
This year’s exhibitions are: Insecta — the Insect Kingdom, which is in the Throne Room, and is about the connection between art and insects over the centuries; Romantic Landscapes: Marie de Flandre, which highlighted artworks by the Countess of Flanders and Princess Henriette throughout the Grand Gallery; and Insects Under the Microscope, an interactive exhibit all about insects, located in the Hall of Mirrors (which is also the room with the crazy beetle wing ceiling and chandelier — very appropriate!).
If you’re in Brussels right now, the palace is open for visitors until this Sunday, September 6 (10:30-4:30 daily, closed Mondays): more information is available here. I would definitely recommend a visit!
kitchen cables 
A truly spectacular building that is often overlooked. Thank you for sharing these pictures!