Facade of House Saint-Cyr in Brussels showcasing ornate Art Nouveau architecture

De Saint Cyr House

De Saint-Cyr House Brussels: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

De Saint-Cyr House (Maison Saint-Cyr), located at Square Ambiorix 11 in Brussels, is one of the most flamboyant and celebrated examples of Art Nouveau architecture in the city. Designed by Gustave Strauven between 1901 and 1903 for painter Georges Léonard de Saint-Cyr, this slender, four-meter-wide townhouse is renowned for its intricate wrought iron balconies, polychrome brickwork, and exuberant floral motifs. Although primarily a private residence, the house’s remarkable façade is a year-round attraction for architecture enthusiasts and visitors interested in Brussels’ Belle Époque heritage.

Protected as a monument since 1988 and meticulously restored in 2013, De Saint-Cyr House stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to preserving its architectural treasures. This detailed guide provides practical information on visiting the site, historical context, architectural highlights, restoration history, accessibility, nearby attractions, and photography tips. Whether you are an architecture lover or a curious traveler, this resource will help you make the most of your visit to one of Brussels’ most iconic historical sites.

For the latest updates and official event information, consult the Brussels Tourism website and the BANAD Festival page.

Introduction
Historical Background and Architectural Significance
Visiting Information
Nearby Attractions and Suggested Itineraries
Visitor Tips and Etiquette
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Further Resources and Related Articles
Conclusion and Recommendations

1. Historical Background and Architectural Significance

Origins and Commissioning

De Saint-Cyr House was commissioned by painter-decorator Georges Léonard de Saint-Cyr and designed by the young architect Gustave Strauven, a protégé of Victor Horta. Completed between 1901 and 1903, the house was intended to showcase both the artistic ambitions of its owner and the creative potential of the Art Nouveau movement. Its location on Square Ambiorix reflected the rise of the European Quarter as a fashionable residential area at the turn of the century (Evendo).

Architectural Features

Occupying a narrow plot just four meters wide, De Saint-Cyr House is celebrated for its vertical emphasis and ornate façade. Key features include:

Exuberant Wrought Ironwork: Elaborate, swirling balconies, railings, and window frames display Strauven’s mastery of metalwork.
Polychrome Brickwork and Ceramics: The façade features a vibrant palette of colored bricks and ceramic tiles, creating a dynamic visual effect.
Organic Floral Motifs: Nature-inspired patterns—characteristic of Art Nouveau—are woven throughout the ironwork, wood, and stained glass.
Verticality and Asymmetry: The slender, four-story elevation and asymmetrical arrangement of windows and doors emphasize the house’s theatrical presence.

The house’s design demonstrates ingenious space-maximizing solutions and a seamless integration of structure and decoration (Vielfalt der Moderne).

Preservation and Restoration

After periods of neglect and varied use—including a stint as a dance studio in the 1950s—the house was designated a protected monument in 1988. A decade-long restoration, led by architect Francis Metzger and completed in 2013, focused on:

Cleaning and repairing the polychrome brick façade and intricate ironwork
Structural reinforcement of the narrow building
Restoring interior stained glass, woodwork, and decorative details
Removing non-original alterations to recover the building’s stylistic coherence

These efforts have ensured the preservation of the house’s original Art Nouveau spirit and secured its place as a landmark of Brussels’ architectural heritage (admirable-artnouveau.be; BANAD Festival).

2. Visiting Information

Location and Accessibility

Address: Square Ambiorix 11, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Getting There: Easily accessible by public transport. The nearest metro stop is Maelbeek/Maalbeek (Lines 1 and 5), with several tram and bus lines serving the vicinity. Limited street parking is available, but public transport is recommended due to the area’s busy nature. Bike racks and pedestrian pathways make the neighborhood accessible by foot and bicycle (visit.brussels).

Visiting Hours and Ticketing

General Access: De Saint-Cyr House is a private residence. The interior is not open to the public for regular tours, and no tickets are available for interior access as of July 2025.
Special Events: The house participates in select cultural events, such as the annual Brussels Art Nouveau & Art Deco (BANAD) Festival. During these events, guided tours of the interior are occasionally offered for a supplemental ticket fee (approximately €10). For up-to-date schedules and ticketing information, consult the BANAD Festival website.
Exterior Viewing: The façade is visible year-round from Square Ambiorix, accessible at any time without charge.

Accessibility Considerations

Exterior Access: The house can be admired from public sidewalks, which are generally accessible.
Interior Access: During special events, efforts are made to accommodate visitors with mobility, hearing, or vision impairments; however, the historic nature of the building may limit full accessibility (presseditorials.com).

Photography Tips

Best Times: Early morning and late afternoon provide optimal natural lighting for photographing the façade’s intricate ironwork and color palette.
Permission: Photography is permitted from public spaces. For professional or commercial shoots, seek guidance from local authorities.
Social Sharing: Use descriptive alt tags (e.g., “De Saint-Cyr House Art Nouveau façade in Brussels”) to enhance online engagement.

3. Nearby Attractions and Suggested Itineraries

De Saint-Cyr House’s central location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring Brussels’ Art Nouveau and historical sites:

Parc du Cinquantenaire: Expansive park with museums, gardens, and monumental arches (thecrazytourist.com).
Horta Museum: Victor Horta’s former home and studio, open to the public.
Hôtel Tassel & Maison Autrique: Other Art Nouveau masterpieces open for interior visits.
European Institutions: The nearby European Parliament and associated buildings.

Suggested Itinerary: Begin at De Saint-Cyr House, stroll through Square Ambiorix and Parc du Cinquantenaire, then visit the Horta Museum for an in-depth Art Nouveau experience.

4. Visitor Tips and Etiquette

Respect Privacy: The house is a private residence; remain on public sidewalks and avoid disturbing residents.
Group Visits: Large groups should avoid blocking entryways or sidewalks.
Quiet Enjoyment: Maintain low noise levels, especially during early morning or evening hours.
Amenities: Cafés, restaurants, and public restrooms are available nearby on Avenue de la Renaissance and Rue de la Loi.
Guided Tours: While interior access is rare, numerous walking tours provide detailed exterior commentary. Check visit.brussels for current options.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I visit the interior of De Saint-Cyr House?
A: No, regular interior access is not available. The house opens for guided tours only during specific cultural events, most notably the BANAD Festival.

Q: Are guided tours offered year-round?
A: No, guided tours are only available during special events. Check the BANAD Festival website for announcements.

Q: Are tickets required to see the exterior?
A: No, the façade can be admired from public space at any time, free of charge.

Q: Is the house accessible for people with disabilities?
A: The exterior is generally accessible. Interior event access may be limited due to the historic structure, though efforts are made for inclusivity during festivals.

Q: How do I get there?
A: The nearest metro is Maelbeek/Maalbeek. The area is served by several tram and bus lines.

admirable-artnouveau.be – Detailed Art Nouveau analysis
visit.brussels – Official tourism information
BANAD Festival – Annual Art Nouveau & Art Deco event
Vielfalt der Moderne – In-depth architectural features
Parc du Cinquantenaire Guide
Exploring Art Nouveau Architecture in Brussels
Top Historical Sites to Visit in Brussels

7. Conclusion and Recommendations

De Saint-Cyr House is a jewel of Brussels’ Art Nouveau heritage, celebrated for its imaginative architecture, vibrant colors, and delicate ironwork. While interior access is limited, its façade alone offers a compelling glimpse into the city’s early 20th-century artistic innovation. The careful restoration and protected status guarantee that this landmark will inspire visitors and residents for generations to come.

To enrich your experience, consider pairing your visit with nearby attractions and utilizing the Audiala app for self-guided tours and up-to-date information on Brussels’ historical sites. Stay connected through official tourism channels and social media for news on special events and opportunities for guided tours at De Saint-Cyr House.