5 architectural wonders around Flagey

Brussels isn’t all Art Nouveau, you know. In just a short walking distance, you can discover such a wide range of architectural marvels your neck will hurt from looking up! The Flagey neighborhood in Ixelles is a great place to start, so let’s go! Here’s five architectural wonders in the Flagey neighborhood.

Walk Details
Distance: 3km
Walking time: 36min

1

The Philémon Wachtelaer Building

Rue de l'Ermitage 26, Ixelles

Built by architect Philémon Wachtelaer, the house was to be a culmination of a 50 year career in architecture. The architect lived not far from here on Louise, but wanted to build a house for him and his wife in their old age. He bought the property back in the late 80s, and the house was completed back in 2019. Sadly, his wife passed away just six weeks after moving into the house. Wachtelaer said of the house, “This house was designed without references: it is strong enough to become one.” I have to agree, as even though on paper such a structure would feel out of place where it sits today, I think it fits rather well into its surroundings. The best view of the house is probably across the street on the other side of the planter boxes.

2

The Flagey Building

Rue du Belvédère 27, 1050 Bruxelles

Built in a style of Art Deco referred to as Streamline Moderne, the Flagey Building used to house the Belgian National Institute of Radio Broadcasting, which later split into French (RTBF) and Flemish (VRT) entities. Eventually both broadcasting services moved out of the building and let it fall into dilapidation. It was renovated in the early 2000s however, and has since been a place for cinema, concerts, and all sorts of cultural events. It’s impressively big inside, with multiple halls.

3

Crèche Royale Le Nid

Rue du Nid 11, 1050 Ixelles

Built in 1911 by architect Fernand Symons, this eclectic looking crèche, which is still in operation today, is one of my favorite “hidden” Brussels buildings. With a touch of Flemish Renaissance, this semicircular structure can easily be missed, as it sits in the middle of a short street not often traveled on unless it’s by students and parents. At the very top of the gable you can notice the tree, representing the commune of Ixelles.

4

Sterner's Studio

Rue du Lac 6, Ixelles

This is known as Sterner's Studio, or in French, Atelier du maître-verrier Sterner. It’s also one of the most phographed buildings on this list for obvious reasons. Sterner was a master glass maker, which you probably already know if you speak French. His sweeping Geometric Art Nouveau combination of door and window are the house’s most notable feature, though the long stepped stained-glass window to its right is nothing to shake a stick at either. The house was designed by Ernest Delune, whose work can be found throughout the area including most of the houses on the street just behind this one.

5

Fondation blan

Blvd Géneral Jacques 26, 1050 Ixelles

The contemporary arts studio located just a couple blocks up from the Flagey Ponds is the newest addition to this list. Completed in March of 2023, this feat of engineering is so marvelous, yet can often be missed by passerby’s as it’s nestled between two adjacent buildings. Home to dance, sculpture, and art, the Fondation Blan is fascinating marvel of contemporary architecture.