The de Brouckère mansion

Private mansion at the corner of the rue Jacques Jordaens and the rue De Crayer, which displays a fairly understated but imposing Art Nouveau style.

FACADE

This creation is the work of the duo Henry Van de Velde and Octave Van Rysselberghe. The latter also designed the nearby Otlet mansion. The building, designed for Florence de Brouckère, mother-in-law of Louis de Brouckère, and her son, contains a classroom. The imposing façade is made entirely of stone and shows Van Rysselberghe’s Florentine influence. The woodwork reflects the rational geometric Art Nouveau style, devoid of decoration. The façade is austere, except for the flared console that supports the roof cornice, the sculpted lintels and the stone balcony balustrade with its geometric patterns.

INTERIOR

Inside, a large central space contains the staircase, which receives zenithal light from a glass roof decorated with geometric and floral motifs. The Art Nouveau window handles are original. However, the house also includes blends of other styles, as evidenced by the Louis XV fireplace in the dining room.