Overview

With internships in Paris, Lyon and a number of German cities, Antoine Courtens could also look back on an apprenticeship with Victor Horta, when the latter was building the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels. He was approached to design the Hôtel Haerens and the Palais de la Folle Chanson, both built in 1928. For the latter, the architect took advantage of a corner location to create a rotunda at the joint, curiously topped by a star-shaped element surmounted by an ovoid dome. The facades, with their many rows of windows, open onto Boulevard Général Jacques and Avenue de la Folle Chanson, after which the building is named. They feature loggias at the top and base of the elevation, creating a series of recesses and projections typical of the Art Deco style promoted by Antoine Courtens. The lobby, adorned with an interplay of Sainte-Anne grey and veined black marble on the floor, gilded travertine on the walls, frosted glass lanterns, fine ironwork and steel radiator covers, reveals the refinement that went into the interior design. The architect’s reputation led Baron Empain to commission him to build a residential complex in the Laurentians, Canada, called l’Esterel. (CL 08/08/1988 and 25/10/2001) Saturday and Sunday at 10.00 am (FR), 11.00 am (FR), 12.00 pm (FR), 2.00 pm (FR), 3.00 pm (FR) (duration 45min, maximum 12 people per departure). In collaboration with Arkadia. Photographs are permitted, but only with smartphones.

Practical information

Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 16:00

boulevard Général Jacques 2, 1050 Ixelles

Advance booking required.

Non accessible

Bookings

Fully booked.

Address
boulevard Général Jacques 2, 1050 Ixelles