Aperçu

Although a number of schools were built in the municipality of Schaerbeek, it was not until the early 1930s that an athenaeum was built. Today, it still bears the name of Fernand Blum, the alderman responsible for its construction. Architect Adolphe Paillet was commissioned to draw up plans for the complex, which would occupy an entire block of land. His vision was of a vast, monumental and functional Art Deco-style square featuring two central playgrounds, a covered courtyard, gymnasiums, laboratories, a library and numerous classrooms. Except for the addition of a small annex in 1957 and a third floor on the east side in the same style in 1966, the buildings as a whole have retained their original appearance and a rare consistency of style. The facades are clad in orange brick, bluestone, white imitation stone and concrete cornices that conceal a flat roof. The interior was carefully designed, with floors covered in black and white tiles with black veining, red and yellow tiles, or grey, white and yellow cement tiles. The wainscoting is faced in orange faux marble to match the window surrounds, or in brown, yellow and white ceramic tiles. Faux black marble baseboards, blue ceramic window sills and granite staircases complete the ensemble, which also features stained glass windows illuminating the east stairwell and allegorical murals decorating the library. The complex was inaugurated on 18 September 1932. The building now boasts a roof extension; a lightweight CLT structure designed by the architectural firm A Practice. To limit the weight placed on it, the new volume was covered with perforated metal panels, creating a play on transparency. The new floor is directly connected to the existing staircase. A corridor serves 12 new classrooms on each side and is punctuated by two patios which let in the light. In collaboration with Bruxelles Bavard (FR) and ARAU, Atelier de Recherche et d'Action Urbaines (NL/EN). With the support of the Municipality of Schaerbeek.

Practical information

Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00

avenue Ernest Renan 10-14, 1030 Schaerbeek

Advance booking required.

Non accessible

Bookings

Select the time slot that suits you and make your reservation online.

Saturday 20/09/25 Select your time slot

• 10:00 > 10:45 FR 25 pl.
• 10:30 > 11:15 NL 21 pl.
• 11:00 > 11:45 FR 22 pl.
• 11:30 > 12:15 EN 23 pl.
• 12:00 > 12:45 FR 23 pl.
• 12:30 > 13:15 NL 23 pl.
• 14:00 > 14:45 FR 16 pl.
• 14:30 > 15:15 NL 25 pl.
• 15:00 > 15:45 FR 25 pl.
• 15:30 > 16:15 EN 23 pl.
• 16:00 > 16:45 FR 15 pl.
• 16:30 > 17:15 NL 22 pl.

Sunday 21/09/25 Select your time slot

• 10:00 > 10:45 FR 25 pl.
• 10:30 > 11:15 NL 24 pl.
• 11:00 > 11:45 FR 23 pl.
• 11:30 > 12:15 EN 25 pl.
• 12:00 > 12:45 FR 22 pl.
• 12:30 > 13:15 NL 25 pl.
• 14:00 > 14:45 FR 21 pl.
• 14:30 > 15:15 NL 23 pl.
• 15:00 > 15:45 FR 25 pl.
• 15:30 > 16:15 EN 25 pl.
• 16:00 > 16:45 FR 17 pl.
• 16:30 > 17:15 NL 23 pl.

Address
avenue Ernest Renan 10-14, 1030 Schaerbeek