Former house of Paul Saintenoy

In 1897, the architect Paul Saintenoy purchased this house in the Rue de l'Arbre Bénit, dating from 1872, from the stockbroker Ferdinand Grosjean. Saintenoy renovated the facade and extended the house to the rear. The resulting building in an eclectic style with Italian Renaissance touches remains a true reflection of its owner's tastes. Paul Saintenoy was an architect who became a leading representative of the Art Nouveau movement around 1900 (designing the Old England department store in 1899), while retaining his strong interest in historicist styles (as can be seen in his Delacre Pharmacy of 1895). A fervent defender of the heritage buildings of Brussels, he became one of their leading restorers as well (among others, of the Hotel Ravenstein in 1894). The interior of his home not only makes reference to the different styles from his other work, but also makes use of materials salvaged from demolished buildings. In particular, there is a sumptuous Art Nouveau stained-glass window designed by Raphaël Elvadre. The Saintenoy family lived in the house until Paul's death in 1952. Since 1956, the building has been home to the Hungarian Catholic Mission.

SATURDAY 14 OCTOBER