What building is this?

People make a big deal about a particular structure in Europe. And I wouldn't doubt rightfully so; I haven't been there but it may well be -- if you stay on the picture postcard side -- as marvelous as conventional wisdom contends.

(A little secret? I think it was the first building that I ever noticed as a discrete building. I must have been about seven or eight -- maybe it was the year in fact it was finished. I dimly remember seeing a photo, loving the image of the building -- the image you always see, of course -- and wanting to be an architect. See how dangerous starchitecture can be?)

But this views of it is rarely shown:

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Would the building be so acclaimed if the facade (above) was shown alongside the famous iconic view?

I tend to doubt it. This facade of the building appears particularly unpleasant and homely. But if you told people the name of the architect and the building before you showed them the photo I have little doubt that most -- after remembering their proper place -- would ooh! and ahh!

UPDATE: This guy (sorta) agrees with me. Another guy plunks for the popular opinion, the opinion of the common man the man in the street wearing a baseball cap.