Hôtel Winssinger

Victor Horta

Rue de l’Hôtel des Monnaies 66 | Saint-Gilles

Ch. Bastin & J. Evrard © urban.brussels
Door handles (photo ca 1990)
Ch. Bastin & J. Evrard © urban.brussels
Foot of the staircase, ground floor (photo ca 1990)
Ch. Bastin & J. Evrard © urban.brussels
Landing, first floor (photo ca 1990)
Ch. Bastin & J. Evrard © urban.brussels
Stairwell, first floor (photo ca 1990)

This mansion was built in Saint-Gilles, a municipality that was growing fast and popular with the new upper middle class. Camille Winssinger asked the architect Victor Horta to build him a new residence, next to the house that he already owned (at no. 64), and more suited to the needs of his ailing wife. This requirement therefore guided Horta in preparing the plans.


Protected heritage in Brussels Learn more Inventory of architectural heritage

The façade includes a carriage entrance that made it possible to save space for the laboratory at the back of the site and a large bow window flanked by balconies. The height of the ground floor windows can be explained by the fact that the mezzanine contained a billiard room, which opened onto the hall.

However, in 1928-1929, the façade and interior were altered by Horta himself, who converted the building into an investment property. The bow window as you see it today was altered during the process of upgrading the façade. One entire level and its beautiful railing were removed from the structure at that time.

Inside, the original floor mosaics, ironwork and wall paintings can still be seen, all combining to form a flamboyant decorative ensemble. The building, which has recently been renovated, is occupied by an architectural firm and an art gallery located at the back of the site. It is accessible during opening hours and, as you pass, you can catch a glimpse of a wall painting in green and yellow tones and part of the stairwell, behind the entrance to the apartments.

Nearby

By the same architect