Cauchie House

A marvelous exhibit of Art Nouveau in Brussels

Very nice Art Nouveau House built by Paul Cauchie in 1905 as his family home and workshop. The guided tour is worth it, even if there is only a small number of rooms.

One of the most beautiful examples of Brussels Art Deco, and more specifically so called sgraffito and façade paintings, is the Cauchie House. The façade, architecture and interior of this building make it well worth a visit. Be advised, however, that it’s necessary to book your visit in advance. Paul Cauchie, the building’s original owner was, along with his wife Lina, a proponent of the decorative arts and painting, more specifically the creation of wall paintings, based on a centuries-old technique. Most similar houses in Brussels were also done by Cauchie and his wife. Nevertheless, an architect rather than a decorator, Cauchie built his own home, which was completed in 1905. The whole of the building’s façade is stunningly adorned with intricate decorations and acted as a shop window for the couple’s art business. Cauchie’s decoration of his own home served as a confirmation of the couple’s specialisation. The house’s façade is split by three doors: the middle one takes you down to the basement, the right-hand one leads to the reception rooms and the third is purely decorative. The inside of the house is equally beautifully decorated with numerous sgraffiti. It’s worth mentioning that the building materials used were not always of the best quality: the 30 year old architect was not yet an established name and therefore didn’t quite have the funds. The building was almost demolished in 1971 to make way for a new build, but strong protest eventually saw the house saved and listed as a protected monument in 1975. A visit costs €5, with a guided tour included.

Wonderful place to visit! Guided tour has to be booked ahead of time. The tours re done both in French and English. Our tour guide Almondine was wonderful and gave us a full historical background on the house and his owner. Paul Cauchie and then the other owners of the house that refurbished it. You will be able to visit the ground floor and the 1st floor. The other two floors are occupied by tenants. Totally recommended it. They also do a game night! Enjoy!

Interesting house and story of the Cauchie's as original owners and their decorating / design business giving an insight into the art nouveau period around 1905-1915.

Art Nouveau House near Parc de Cinquentenaire in Brussels. Jewel of Architecture. Need to book before visit. Usually visit are the 1sr week-end of each month.

An interesting Art Nouveau house close to Parc du Cinquantenaire. Not quite has monumental as the similar houses in Barcelona or my hometown of Glasgow, it does have a very attractive facade instantly recognisable as Art Nouveau.

This private house built by Paul Cauchie and his wife Lina in 1905 is another beautiful example of Art nouveau in Brussels. Memorable visit thanks to a very dedicated and knowledgeable guide. Definitely a must-see.