Art Nouveau where you least expect it: surprising Schaerbeek

Louis Bertrandlaan in Schaarbeek is a hidden gem for lovers of Art Nouveau. The village, which was mainly known for its donkeys and cherry trees, emerged as a city at the turn of the century. From St. Servatius Church to Josaphat Park, a series of remarkable buildings unfolds, often the result of architectural competitions. What was considered modern in the 19th century now offers a rich overview of the style: flowing lines, elegant materials, and a refined interplay of light and space. Well-known architects such as Victor Horta, Franz Hemelsoet, Gustave Strauven, and Henri Jacobs left their mark here and transformed the avenue into an open-air gallery of creative architecture.

Palaces for education and private life

Henri Jacobs created an impressive Art Nouveau school complex in this neighborhood that resembles a palace rather than a school. Victor Horta designed one of his first private residences in Schaerbeek, the Autrique House, in which he subtly combined light, space, and ornamentation for the first time. Each building tells the story of an era in which architects experimented with materials, forms, and new living concepts. Along the way, you will also discover other facades that showcase the versatility of Art Nouveau, from ornate cast-iron balconies to colorful mosaics and original door and window frames.

The area around Louis Bertrandlaan is not only architecturally unique, but also well thought out in terms of urban planning. Urban planner Victor Besme and landscape architect Edmond Gallopin developed the nearby Josaphat Park to attract investors and residents, creating a harmonious connection between urban development and greenery. During this walk through Schaerbeek, you will experience how Art Nouveau became embedded in modern urban design, and how architecture, landscape, and social ambitions come together in a neighborhood that remains one of the finest examples of Brussels Art Nouveau to this day.