In the heart of Schaerbeek, a neoclassical masterpiece is preparing to celebrate an exceptional anniversary. In 2026, the Maison des Arts will celebrate its 200th anniversary. This heritage gem, which began life as a sumptuous bourgeois residence before being saved by the municipality, has weathered two centuries of history and urban transformation. Now fully designated as a historic landmark, this former villa has been transformed into a laboratory for artistic creation. From the secrets of its exterior architecture to the unusual decor of its period salons, explore behind the scenes of this unique living space and discover “Au jardin,”the immersive and poetic exhibition that brings this historic bicentennial to a beautiful close.
From bourgeois villa to cultural hub: two centuries of history carved in stone
The epic story of the Maison des Arts began in 1825, when the Eenens couple acquired market garden land along the Chaussée de Haecht, in the heart of the municipality of Schaerbeek. There, they had a neoclassical estate built, which expanded over the generations—first by their son, who added a third story to the building and attached two wings. Later, their granddaughter and her husband crowned the structure with a square tower and a tack room, which has since become the current Estaminet.
The property’s fate took a turn in 1950 when the municipality purchased it, renaming it “Maison des Arts ” and adding a pond to its grounds. Now fully designated as a historic landmark, this former aristocratic gem has been transformed into a vibrant public space. Managed by the French Ministry of Culture, the site creates a dialogue between its rich architectural past and the boldness of contemporary creation.
The unique sensory experience of the Maison des Arts
Stepping through the threshold of the Maison des Arts is like embarking on an immersive journey where different eras overlap. The ground floor reveals a series of bourgeois salons featuring unusual details. Between the library with its hidden compartments and the neo-Gothic dining room, visitors discover paneling carved with whimsical figures. Further on, a monumental stained-glass window tells an amusing story: the décolletage of one of the figures was obscured at the request of a visitor. Beautifully restored, these intimate spaces and the former bedrooms now serve as a backdrop for original contemporary artworks.
Driven by a strong social mission, the cultural center offers workshops, lectures, and local events throughout the year. This fall, to bring its bicentennial celebrations to a beautiful close, the Maison des Arts presents the exhibition “Au jardin.” Conceived as a poetic and sensory retreat, this journey invites the public to slow down. Through installations by nine artists celebrating life and untamed plants, the event stirs childhood memories and brings the outdoors indoors for a complete escape.
📍147 Chaussée de Haecht, 1030 Schaerbeek
