Architecture in Schaerbeek

To the south of the commune stands the school, Ecole communale 13, or Athénée Fernand Blum, designed by Henri Jacobs in 1907. Blending eclecticism and Art Nouveau, the school’s interior and its ornamentation are well worth a visit: ceramic tiles, friezes, paintings on canvas, and more. (12 avenue Ernest Renan)

Heading north, stop in front of the expansive facade of the Foyer Schaerbeekois, a building containing workers' housing designed in 1899 by Henri Jacobs, in the Art Nouveau style. It just goes to show that Art Nouveau isn't just for the wealthy! (53-65 rue Victor Hugo)

A short detour to the Devalck house (1900), designed by the architect of the same name for his mother. The openings and the loggia are quite remarkable, as are the stained-glass windows and the Sgraffito! (32-34 rue André Van Hasselt)

The area around the place des Bienfaiteurs is home to several noteworthy buildings, including the house at 48 avenue Dailly. The architect, Chambon, designed the geometric Art Nouveau house for his son-in-law. (48 avenue Dailly)

Continue to the historic heart of Schaerbeek. The entire avenue Louis Bertrand is worth a visit, but take a closer look at the Ancienne Maison Verhaeghe (number 43), dating back to 1906 and designed by Strauven, a Schaerbeek architect known for the Saint-Cyr House. This house doesn't skimp on ornamentation: every element of the facade has been decorated in a distinctly Art Nouveau style! (43 avenue Louis Bertrand)

Just a stone's throw away, another school dazzles with Art Nouveau flair: the La Ruche school complex, opened in 1907, again designed by architect Jacobs. A complete work of art, the architect not only designed the plans which covered almost a hectare of land, but also all the details and furnishings. (215, 229 & 241 rue Josaphat)

Back on avenue Louis Bertrand, you can't miss Saint Servais Church, built in neo-Gothic style by Gustave Hansotte between 1871 and 1876. It replaced an earlier medieval church. Recently restored, it proudly graces one of the most beautiful avenues in Brussels. (avenue Louis Bertrand)

Just next to the church, take a moment to admire the Autrique House, which, alongside the Tassel House, was the first Art Nouveau town houses designed by Horta in 1893. Understated and elegant, this middle-class home doesn't flaunt luxury or extravagance. During its restoration, carried out with a deep respect for the original spirit, the house also benefited from a museum-like transformation designed by François Schuiten and Benoit Peters. (266 chaussée de Haecht)

In the same street, a different atmosphere awaits. Set back from the chaussée de Haecht, the Maison des Arts welcomes you to an oasis of tranquillity. This expansive neoclassical villa and its outbuildings, built in 1836 for the Eenens-Terlinden drapery family, occupies an impressively large plot of land - a rarity in this highly urbanised part of the city! (147 chaussée de Haecht)

Now let's visit the neighbouring Church of Saint Mary! Inspired by Roman-Byzantine architecture, with a dome supported by a metal skeleton, a rare feature for its time, the building was under construction from 1845 to 1888. Its role was to enhance the grandeur of the royal route connecting the central Royal Palace to the Royal Castle of Laeken. (place de la Reine)

Now here's a true gem! Though, technically, it stands in the commune of Saint-Josse, you can't miss De Ultieme Hallucinatie. Also known as the Cohn-Donnay Hotel, after one of its former owners, the original building dates back to 1841 (or perhaps even earlier) but was radically transformed by architect Hamesse in 1904. The most spectacular changes took place inside. From a neoclassical hotel to an Art Nouveau masterpiece! The building is now home to a brasserie, offering you the opportunity to enjoy a drink or even a bite to eat. (316 rue Royale)

Now let's leave the outskirts of Schaerbeek and head back towards its centre where you'll find the town hall, originally built between 1884 and 1887 by Jules-Jacques van Ysendyck in the Flemish neo-Renaissance style. Partially demolished in 1911 due to an arson attack, it was meticulously reconstructed almost identically by Jules-Jacques's son, Maurice. (place Colignon)

Langbehn House is an Art Nouveau masterpiece by Jean Van Hall, a Dutch-born architect who lived in this double house himself before it was bought in 1926 by the mother of visual artist Roger Langbehn. Today it is home to the Roger Langbehn Association, which is dedicated to education through the arts and promoting respect for nature. The association organises concerts, exhibitions, and a wide range of cultural activities. (90 rue Renkin)

Another significant figure in Brussels' Art Nouveau architecture, Henri Jacobs lived and died in Schaerbeek. His house on avenue Maréchal Foch, with its magnificent facade, is impossible to miss. It housed his offices on the ground floor – complete with no fewer than five drawing tables! – and the living quarters on the upper floors. (9 avenue Maréchal Foch)

After a short walk, you'll find yourself at place Princesse Elisabeth, dominated by the monumental Schaerbeek railway station. Built in two phases, in an eclectic style, the left-hand section, which dates back to 1887, features Flemish neo-Renaissance influences. The right-hand section, constructed between 1913 and 1919, draws inspiration from Art Nouveau. (5 place Princesse Elisabeth)

Worth the detour: a little off our route, Saint Suzanne Church was the first church in Brussels with a structure entirely made of reinforced concrete. Built between 1925 and 1928 by architect Jean Combaz, it resolutely embraces the Art Deco style. Audacious in many ways, it boasts an astonishing number of stained-glass windows, in some places resembling a genuine glass roof! (50 avenue Gustave Latinis)