Stage 5
Stage 5
The arrival of Art Deco
Art Deco
Time to move on to Place Flagey, one of the lively centres of Ixelles, where you’ll see the unmissable Flagey building. There’s a definite change of atmosphere in this, the former National Broadcasting Institute (INR) with its typical (modernist) liner style, inspired by Art Deco and built between 1935 and 1938 by Joseph Diongre. Today, Flagey hosts concerts, music and film festivals, exhibitions and more. It’s a real art centre that adds to the life of the square, softened by the ponds that border it. If you want, you can sit by the water or have a drink in the very popular Belga café or one of the other establishments that line the square, before continuing your journey to discover Art Deco buildings.
And the Art Deco trip begins with the former maternity ward of Ixelles hospital at 20, 22 and 26 Rue Cuissiez, designed by the architect Jean-Baptiste Dewin and built circa 1930-1935. Time for a quick return to the eclecticism influenced by Art Nouveau with the bourgeois house at 36 Boulevard Général Jacques. Attributed to architect Henri Van Dievoet, some refer to it as "The Green House". At number 20 is the Résidence de la Cambre, a large luxury apartment building inspired by New York Art Deco, designed by Marcel Peeters and built in 1937.
Just a few short steps away, at the Étoile roundabout, is another Art Deco complex, the Folle Chanson Palace (you could't make it up!). Built by Antoine Courtens (a student of Horta) between 1928 and 1931, the building is particularly striking for its semi-circular rotunda and the height of the building, which was built to better fit around the corner of the street. Also note the star-shaped campanile, which is typical of Courtens’ style. Still on the roundabout, at 2-4 Avenue Congo, you’ll find the Congo Palace, an Art Deco apartment building dating from 1930 and designed by Jean-Florian Collin. Next door, on the following corner, lies the modernist Ernestine residence, inaugurated in 1936 and also designed by Jean-Florian Collin. Another imposing Art Deco building is the Palais de la Cambre (not to be confused with the residence) at 62-68 Avenue Emile Duray. It’s a series of five luxury apartment buildings designed by the architect Camille Damman and built between 1925 and 1930.
© visit.brussels - Jean-Michel Byl
© visit.brussels - Jean-Michel Byl
© visit.brussels - Eric Danhier
© visit.brussels - Eric Danhier
Finally (yes, finally!), it’s time to make your way to Villa Empain. Yes, you have to walk a bit, but it is well worth it. This Art Deco jewel was built by Swiss architect Michel Polack at the request of Baron Louis Empain, who was aged just 21 at the time! Built between 1931 and 1934, the building now houses the Boghossian Foundation, a centre for art and dialogue between Eastern and Western cultures. This is an opportunity to explore the premises. Enjoy your visit!