The Former Old England department store

This building is one of the best examples of the Art Nouveau style in Brussels. Designed by architect Paul Saintenoy, it housed the former “Old England” department store and, since 2008, the Musical Instruments Museum (MIM) has been located there.

Opening hours and info on www.mim.be

FACADE

The façade is almost entirely glazed, which was modern at the time, and is simply punctuated with fine plant-inspired decoration, consisting in particular of multi-coloured porcelain stoneware.

The canopy is worked as if it were a piece of jewellery, as is its bartizan, which spans three levels and is crowned with a majestic bay window. The top of the building is enhanced with a turret, which is surmounted by a cupola of flamboyant ironwork. The architect fully exploited the potential of wrought iron in terms of lightness and curves.

INTERIORS

The premises have been converted in order to meet the modern safety and air-conditioning requirements necessary for its new function. Nevertheless, you can still admire the magnificent wrought iron elevator door and some exceptional ironwork on the top floor. There you will now find a restaurant providing an outstanding almost-360° view over Brussels.