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For a number of years now, Brussels has been seen as a must-visit city when it comes to Art Nouveau. You can discover this exceptional heritage by visiting the various sites, taking part in guided tours organised all year round or coming to the BANAD Festival, an annual event devoted to the genre. Why not discover this unique heritage by tram? Comfortably sitting down, all you have to do is take in the Art Nouveau treasures along the way! Isn't that a great idea?
To begin with: Schaerbeek and its numerous Art Nouveau architects, not to mention a gem in Saint-Josse
The Schaerbeek area is well known as it was home to a significant pool of architects, particularly in the Art Nouveau period. Are you familiar with them?
To discover near the tram stops
François Hemelsoet's own personal home
François (known as Frans) Hemelsoet was born in Schaerbeek. His personal home, built in 1902 on the long avenue Princess Elisabeth, boldly blends two different styles: neo-Renaissance and Art Nouveau. At the time of construction, this meant a mixture of old and new!
Princesse Elisabeth or Verboekhoven stop, avenue Princesse Elisabeth 22, 1030 Schaerbeek
© visit.brussels
Another house by François Hemelsoet
Hemelsoet designed more than 70 different projects! Among others, he left his mark on the magnificent avenue Demolder, designing this multi-styled, Art Nouveau-inspired house, for example. Look up and admire the astonishing wrought-iron gate overlooking the building...
Verboekhoven stop, avenue Demolder 24, 1030 Schaerbeek
© visit.brussels
Henri Jacobs' personal home
Another major figure in Brussels architecture, Henri Jacobs lived and died in Schaerbeek. His house, with its superb facade, also boasted his offices on the first floor, with no fewer than 5 drawing tables! The living areas were grouped together on the upper floors.
Eenens or Pogge stop, avenue Marechal Foch 9, 1030 Schaerbeek
Maison Verhaeghe
Gustave Strauven is another Schaerbeek architect... we did tell you that there were lots of them from this commune! He is best known for Maison Saint-Cyr on Square Ambiorix. In addition to his activities as an architect, he was also a prolific inventor. He registered numerous patents, such as the glass brick and a one-wheeled bicycle! The house featured here is richly decorated: every element of the facade has been given a decorative treatment, in an obvious Art Nouveau style
Eglise Saint-Servais stop, avenue Louis Bertrand 43, 1030 Schaerbeek
© visit.brussels
Autrique House
Designed by Victor Horta, the master of Brussels Art Nouveau, this home, built in 1893, was the architect's first private mansion. The facade isn't particularly daring, but Horta's client, his friend Eugène Autrique, an engineer at Solvay, didn't want luxury or extravagance, but rather a functional house. The house is a must-see, with designs by artists François Schuiten and Benoît Peeters. Immerse yourself in the bourgeois atmosphere of the late 19th and early 20th centuries...
Eglise Saint-Servais stop, chaussée de Haecht 266, 1030 Schaerbeek
To discover while stretching your legs
Langbehn House
Designed by Jean Van Hall, the Dutch-born architect himself occupied this double house before it was bought in 1926 by the mother of visual artist Roger Langbehn. It is now home to the Roger Langbehn Association, which focuses its activities on education through the arts and respect for nature, organising concerts, exhibitions and much more.
Eenens or Pogge stop, rue Renkin 90-92, 1030 Schaerbeek
© visit.brussels
Just before coming to the city centre: you just can't miss this stop in Saint-Josse!
De Ultieme Hallucinatie
316 rue Royale ()
The origins of what is today a restaurant, with its unmistakable Art Nouveau style, were actually very different. The building was constructed as a mansion in 1841 in the neoclassical style - a far cry from Art Nouveau! The Cohn-Donnay family owned the premises at the time. In 1904, architect Paul Hamesse completely redesigned the house and its layout, turning it into a sumptuous Art Nouveau temple. Stay for a meal at the restaurant, which offers a wide range of typically Belgian dishes.
Sainte-Marie stop, rue Royale 316, 1210 Saint-Josse-ten-Noode
