The French Palace of Bruges, also known as the Palace of Freedom of Bruges, was built in the 1820s on the basis of the architect Jan van de Kroen's design and stands on the site of a 16th-century ancient building in the center of Bruges. The building, which reflects classical and baroque elements, is named after Liberty, a medieval borough that surrounded Bruges. It was used as a courthouse and later used to house the administrative offices of the Bruges City Council.