Town Hall, Hasselt

The Town Hall of Hasselt (Stadhuis Hasselt) is a former seat of municipal government tucked into the heart of the Belgian city, right on Groenplein and just steps from the Grote Markt with its cluster of restaurants, brasseries, cafes and taverns. Although the building stopped serving an administrative role in 2018, it remains one of the notable landmarks of Hasselt's historic centre and a natural stop for anyone exploring the old town on foot.

How did this building begin?

The story starts around 1670, when Herman van der Straeten, a jurist and secretary of the city of Hasselt, commissioned a grand patrician residence on this spot. It was built with the kind of scale and ambition typical of urban palaces of the period — a fitting home for a wealthy citizen holding an important public office. For over a century the property stayed in private hands before its purpose changed completely.

From private residence to town hall

In 1779 the city of Hasselt purchased the building from its owners, recognising it as a suitable location for a new municipal seat. A year later, in 1780, a major renovation gave the facades their present neo-classical appearance, defined by strictly maintained symmetry. From that point on, the building served continuously as the town hall until 2018, when it was handed over to social and cultural uses instead.

What does the architecture look like?

The Town Hall is a two-storey structure set beneath a tall, steeply pitched roof — a layout typical of late 18th-century neo-classical remodelling. The front facade is topped with ornate sculptural decoration, lending the otherwise restrained, symmetrical composition a more ceremonial character. A small roof tower adds a distinctive touch to the building's silhouette, visible from the surrounding streets and square. At the front, an ascending staircase leads up to a broad landing, a detail typical of official seats of government that emphasises the dignity of the main entrance.

Why stop here while visiting Hasselt?

The building sits in a setting that is an attraction in its own right — Groenplein borders directly onto the Grote Markt, the city's main market square, lined with numerous restaurants, brasseries, cafes and taverns. That makes a walk to the former town hall a natural part of any tour of Hasselt's historic centre, pairing architectural interest with the chance to pause at a nearby table.

Frequently asked questions

Does the building still function as a town hall? No — it served its administrative role until 2018, after which it was repurposed for social and cultural activities.

Who originally built the structure? It was built around 1670 by Herman van der Straeten, a jurist and secretary of the city of Hasselt, as his own city residence.

What architectural style defines the facade? The facades are neo-classical, a result of the 1780 renovation, characterised by strict symmetry.

Where exactly is the building located? On Groenplein in the centre of Hasselt, directly adjacent to the Grote Markt.