The commune of Etterbeek may not be the first that comes to mind when you think about architecture in Brussels. It is a relatively small area within the Brussels Region but boasts several magnificent examples of buildings that are sure to impress. Few traces remain of the commune's historic centre, located in the vicinity of place Jourdan. Etterbeek is home to a wide range of architectural styles, most of which date from the late 19th and the 20th centuries. The neoclassical style is very present, as everywhere in Brussels, alongside neo styles and other more recent trends. The development of Avenue de Tervueren at the end of the 19th century and the proximity of European institutions were two major factors in Etterbeek's urban development. Discover this heritage with us!
Architecture in Etterbeek
Etterbeek, a discreet yet fascinating architectural style
We start this tour with a big hitter: at the edge of Cinquantenaire Park, you’ll find Cauchie House, named after the painter, designer and architect who built it in the Art Nouveau style in 1904-1905. The originality of this house lies in the decoration of its facade, a large part of which is covered with a sgraffito composition, the work of Cauchie himself. As well as embellishing the facade, the sgraffito's function was to create a huge advertising sign, as Cauchie and his wife were very active on the artistic scene in the early 20th century - see the inscription, "by us and for us". (5 rue des Francs)
Head to the start of avenue de Tervueren to admire the highly opulent appearance of some of the houses along the way. Look at the building at number 62, which was built in 1907 in the Beaux-Arts style, with particularly lavish ornamentation. The neighbouring building at number 64 was built in 1913 and is reminiscent of Italian Renaissance palaces. Another example? The splendid building at number 72, also in the Beaux-Arts style. (62, 64 et 72 avenue de Tervueren)
If you head towards Montgomery roundabout, you will see the imposing, castle-like Collège Saint-Michel school and ecclesiastical complex on your right; it is typical of the eclectic movement and has hints of the neo-Gothic style. The complex's function room is well known for its Art Deco beauty. The site also features a church dedicated to St John Berchmans, inspired by the neo-Romanesque style. The site's atmosphere has already led to it being chosen as a filming location on several occasions, including for films My Way and Oscar and the Lady in Pink. (26 boulevard Saint-Michel)
A short distance further on, you will come to a garden city. Coquilhat or the Foyer Etterbeekois Garden City is reminiscent of the atmosphere of certain Beguine convents. Built according to a 1922 building permit, it comprises 92 workers' homes with private gardens, all with the same quest for compromise between architecture, nature, comfort and social life. (rue Lieutenant J. Becker, rue Camille Coquilhat et rue Lieutenant Lippens)
Like it? Visit another one! Jouët-Rey Garden City, another social housing complex, comprises 32 houses built in 1909-1910. Following an in-depth renovation from 1997 to 1999, under the auspices of the CPAS (Public Social Welfare Centres), Jouët-Rey Garden City became a reception centre for vulnerable people in the commune, with a focus on solidarity and intergenerational aspects. (rue des Cultivateurs et rue Général Henry)
Military architecture plays a significant role in Etterbeek, as evidenced by the former barracks that still stand there. They were built in an eclectic style and began to appear in the commune at the end of the 19th century. The former Charroi arsenal, built in 1901, draws its inspiration from the neo-Tudor style. Nearby, the former Witte de Haelen and Major Greuzet cavalry barracks (1875-1882) are reminiscent of French classical architecture. (1-3-5 boulevard Louis Schmidt and 290-294 boulevard Général Jacques)
Let's take a brief incursion into the commune of Ixelles to mention the remarkable VUB rectorate building, a modernist-style office block. This is one of Antwerp architect Renaat Braem's last masterpieces and was built between 1974 and 1978. This elliptical building features more than 700 windows, all strictly aligned! The interior decor is also well worth a visit. (2 boulevard de la Plaine)
It is difficult to overlook churches while on an architectural walk. Construction of Saint Antoine of Padua church began in 1905 but was not completed until 1935. The plans were drawn up by Georges Cochaux and Edmond Serneels, a local architect. It is neo-Gothic in style and distinguished by its rubble stone facing. (place Saint-Antoine)
The complex of the former Albert Hall cinema and Roseland function room offers an Art Deco detour, with discreetly Egyptian overtures (see the pilaster capitals). Although the building is accessible via two streets, the most striking facade is that on chaussée de Wavre. Dating back to 1932, its first life was short, as it was closed in 1965! (649-651 chaussée de Wavre)
Now for a bit of Art Nouveau, with a house built by Gustave Strauven, the architect best known for his whimsical Maison Saint-Cyr in the European Quarter. Here, he created a corner building whose facades are masterfully adorned with loggias, pilasters, sgraffito and more - enjoy (517-519 chaussée de Wavre)!
In this maze of styles, let's stop for a moment in front of the former home of sculptor E. De Valeriola, who was very active in Etterbeek. His home was built in 1934 in a modernist style, with yellow bricks and rounded elements on the facade (balcony, railing), sometimes giving the impression of admiring an ocean liner! (118 rue de l'Orient)
Then enter Jean Félix Hap garden to discover the remains of a former country house, probably dating from the 16th century and built in the Renaissance style. Sadly, the building is almost in ruins. (508 chaussée de Wavre)
This house is one of the oldest in the commune. The building dates from 1737 and was constructed from brick on a rubble stone base. Elements of the facade remain relatively well preserved (458 chaussée de Wavre).
Let's step back half a century... we are now taking you to Etterbeek's oldest surviving building. The "Baronnie" dates from 1680 and is a simple-looking example of rural architecture, with its scrolled Baroque gable. It was once surrounded by a large estate that included a farm and arable land. (56-58 chaussée Saint-Pierre).
Architects' houses are often worth a detour, and that of Edmond Serneels is no exception. The architect chose an eclectic, neo-Gothic style for his home, which was built in 1902. Echoes of the Middle Ages are not far off (199 rue Louis Hap)!
Turn around and you will see the house of another architect, Jean-Baptiste Timmermans, dating from 1909. This imposing mansion in the Flemish Renaissance Revival style features a very wide facade and three unequal bays (156 rue Louis Hap).
Sainte-Gertrude crèche is an imposing complex of buildings on the corner of rue Félix Hap and rue Doyen Boone which dates back to 1895. It’s an astonishing blend of neo-Gothic and Flemish Renaissance Revival styles. The corner tower is very impressive... (16, rue Félix Hap)