Maison Saint-Cyr Brussels
A slender Art Nouveau gem by Gustave Strauven, Maison Saint-Cyr captivates with its intricate ironwork and unique narrow facade.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Maison Saint-Cyr Brussels
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A slender Art Nouveau gem by Gustave Strauven, Maison Saint-Cyr captivates with its intricate ironwork and unique narrow facade.
"A narrow masterpiece of Art Nouveau, Maison Saint-Cyr is a must-see for its stunning facade and intricate details."
📸 Capture the Details
Focus on the intricate ironwork and unique architectural elements for stunning photos. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Explore the Neighborhood
Combine your visit with nearby Art Nouveau gems like Hôtel van Eetvelde. :world_map:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Exquisite Facade
Place Ambiorix 11
A stunningly narrow Art Nouveau facade, a true architectural marvel showcasing intricate ironwork and flowing lines.
Gustave Strauven's Design
Exterior
Admire the unique architectural style of Gustave Strauven, evident in every detail of this 1901-1903 masterpiece.
Intricate Ironwork
Exterior details
Marvel at the delicate and complex ironwork that adorns the balconies and windows, a hallmark of Art Nouveau.
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Understanding Its Significance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Details
Focus on the intricate ironwork and unique architectural elements for stunning photos. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Explore the Neighborhood
Combine your visit with nearby Art Nouveau gems like Hôtel van Eetvelde. :world_map:
🕰️ Check Visiting Hours
While the exterior is always visible, interior visits are periodic. Check local listings. :ticket:
💡 Learn About Strauven
Research architect Gustave Strauven beforehand to appreciate the house's historical context. :books:
Maison St. Cyr, Brussels, Belgium
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Details
Focus on the intricate ironwork and unique architectural elements for stunning photos. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Explore the Neighborhood
Combine your visit with nearby Art Nouveau gems like Hôtel van Eetvelde. :world_map:
🕰️ Check Visiting Hours
While the exterior is always visible, interior visits are periodic. Check local listings. :ticket:
💡 Learn About Strauven
Research architect Gustave Strauven beforehand to appreciate the house's historical context. :books:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Maison Saint-Cyr is widely praised for its stunning and unique Art Nouveau facade, a testament to Gustave Strauven's architectural vision. Visitors are captivated by its extreme narrowness and the intricate ironwork. While interior access is limited, the exterior alone makes it a highly recommended sight for architecture enthusiasts exploring Brussels.
"A jewel of Art Nouveau architecture, the Maison Saint-Cyr in Brussels was designed by architect Gustave Strauven in 1903. Despite its narrow 4-meter-wide façade, the house bursts with ornate ironwork, vibrant colors, and organic forms—showcasing the eccentric flair of early 20th-century Belgian design."
Duc C. Nguyên
"Maison Saint Cyr is a house in the Quartier des Squares district of Brussels, and designed by Gustave Strauven in the Art Nouveau style. The house is private, so I could only admire it from the outside.
The facade is narrow as is common in Belgium and theNetherlands. It's richly decorated with balconies of wrought ironwork. Each balcony has a balustrade that is unusual in being unique. Each forms a beautiful set of lines, curves and geometric figures, reminiscent of an interlacing of plants and tree branches. The decorative elements of the windows are also distinctly Art Nouveau and would not be out of place in Catalan Mordernism.
The building is off the main tourist circuit in Brussels, but worth it if you have time."
macedonboy
"While the location garners significant hype, I'm uncertain if it genuinely merits such acclaim. After all, the opportunities for photography are limited mostly to exterior shots. Furthermore, the surroundings are merely residential with not much else of interest in the vicinity. Beyond this singular attraction, the area offers little else to engage a visitor.
And see the questions asked by Google…
How long did you wait to enter?
0 minutes because you can’t enter.
And
Do you recommend buying tickets?
There are no tickets you can’t enter."
Kenny Xiao
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Maison Saint-Cyr is located at Place Ambiorix 11 in Brussels. You can easily reach it by public transport, with several tram and bus lines stopping nearby. The European Quarter is well-connected, making it accessible for visitors exploring the city.
Yes, the European Quarter where Maison Saint-Cyr is located is very well served by public transport. Trams and buses frequently run through the area, making it convenient to reach from various parts of Brussels.
Arriving by public transport is recommended to avoid parking hassles in the busy European Quarter. Once you're in the vicinity of Place Ambiorix, the house is easily spotted due to its distinctive architecture.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The exterior of Maison Saint-Cyr is visible from the street and does not require a ticket to view. However, interior visits are periodic and may require booking or specific event access.
As the house is primarily a residential building, its exterior is always accessible. For any potential interior viewings or special events, it's best to check local Brussels tourism websites or event listings.
Interior visits to Maison Saint-Cyr are not regularly scheduled. They typically occur during special events like the Brussels Art Nouveau Festival or through limited guided tours. Keep an eye on local event calendars for opportunities.
There is no admission fee to admire the exterior of Maison Saint-Cyr. If interior access is available during specific events, there might be a fee associated with that particular event.
📸 📸 Photography
The most striking views are from directly in front of the facade on Place Ambiorix. Experiment with different times of day to capture the play of light on the intricate ironwork and colorful details.
Photography of the exterior is generally permitted for personal use. However, always be respectful of the building's residents and avoid intrusive photography.
For capturing the detailed ironwork, a prime lens or a zoom lens with good sharpness is recommended. Consider using a tripod for low-light conditions to ensure sharp images.
🎫 🏛️ Architecture & History
Maison Saint-Cyr was designed by the architect Gustave Strauven and built between 1901 and 1903. It's a prime example of Brussels Art Nouveau architecture.
Its extreme narrowness (only four meters wide) is remarkable, as is its elaborate Art Nouveau facade featuring intricate ironwork and decorative elements. It showcases Strauven's innovative approach to design.
Yes, Maison Saint-Cyr is located on Square Ambiorix, an area known for its beautiful Art Nouveau buildings. It's often visited alongside other notable houses like Hôtel van Eetvelde.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider combining the visit with a trip to a nearby park or a more interactive museum in Brussels to balance the architectural focus. The visual distinctiveness of Maison Saint-Cyr can be a memorable part of a family's Brussels exploration, especially when presented as a quirky landmark.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for clear weather and consider visiting during the 'golden hour' (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) for the most dramatic lighting. Don't just focus on the whole facade; zoom in on the decorative details, the curves of the ironwork, and the window designs. The narrowness of the house also presents a unique challenge and opportunity for composition.
🏛️ Architecture Buffs
Make sure to also explore the surrounding Square Ambiorix, which features other significant Art Nouveau buildings. Comparing the styles and details of these structures will provide a richer understanding of the movement's diversity. Researching Gustave Strauven and his other works in Brussels beforehand will greatly enhance your appreciation.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Genius of Gustave Strauven
What makes Maison Saint-Cyr particularly noteworthy is its incredibly narrow plot. Despite the limited width, Strauven managed to create a visually stunning and functional residence. The facade is a symphony of curved lines, elaborate ironwork on the balconies and windows, and decorative motifs that are characteristic of the Art Nouveau era. It stands as a prime example of how architects pushed boundaries during this period to create unique and artistic living spaces.
Visitors are often struck by the house's delicate yet impactful presence on Place Ambiorix. It's a building that rewards close observation, with each element contributing to its overall aesthetic harmony. Understanding Strauven's vision and the context of early 20th-century architecture enhances the appreciation of this remarkable Brussels landmark.
Exploring the Art Nouveau Charm of Square Ambiorix
Among the notable neighbors of Maison Saint-Cyr is the Hôtel van Eetvelde, another masterpiece designed by Victor Horta, a pioneer of Art Nouveau. While Maison Saint-Cyr is admired for its facade, Hôtel van Eetvelde is renowned for its stunning interior, which is sometimes open to the public. Nearby, Maison Strauven (also by Gustave Strauven) offers another glimpse into the architect's distinctive style, though its accessibility can be more limited.
Wandering through Square Ambiorix provides a delightful architectural journey. The variety of designs, from the slender elegance of Maison Saint-Cyr to the more opulent structures, showcases the diverse expressions within the Art Nouveau movement. It’s an area where you can truly immerse yourself in the beauty and craftsmanship of this historical period.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit