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Brussels modernist : walks around 100 remarkable buildings

By 11 July 2025November 12th, 2025No Comments

Art historian and partner of our agency, Jacinthe Gigou, has published a new book celebrating remarkable modern architecture in Brussels !

Published by Éditions Racine, it is designed as a comprehensive walking guide, offering a fresh way to discover the capital.

© Editions Racine

“In the aftermath of World War I, modernism marked a radical break with historicist and academic traditions. Characterized by its rationality and commitment to innovation, this architectural style spread across the world.”

Supermarché Rob, Albert Nottebaert, 1973 © All rights reserved

La Royale belge, René Stapels & Pierre Dufau architects, 1970 © All rights reserved

Already renowned for its rich Art Nouveau and Art Deco heritage, Brussels is not just a city of the early 20th century, it also boasts a wealth of modern and modernist buildings, some designed by major figures of the Modern Movement. Yet this architectural movement remains largely unknown and underprotected today.

La Royale belge, René Stapels & Pierre Dufau architects, 1970 © All rights reserved

Rectorat VUB, Renaat Braem architect © All rights reserved

The Brussels modernist guide aims to fill this gap in an engaging way, inviting readers to explore the city differently through nine thematic walks, suitable for walking, cycling, or public transport. Each route is documented with a map tracing the itinerary at city scale and is directly accessible on Google Maps via a QR code.

CBR, Constantin Brodzki, Marcel Lambrichs, 1967-70, © All rights reserved

Galerie Ravenstein, Alexis Dumont & Philippe Dumont architects, 1958

The guide features no fewer than 100 remarkable modern and modernist buildings scattered throughout the capital. Each entry includes an illustrated description documenting the building’s purpose, aesthetic approach, and historical context.

A true invitation to discover modernism in the Belgian capital, perfect for everyone !

Forum Jean Cosse, Brigitte-Noël de Groof, Henri Doyen, Willy Serneels architects, 1989

Maisons des Terrasses, Raphël Delville architect, 1935

Order from our partner booksellers :

Jacinthe’s Chronicle

An art and architecture historian, journalist, critic, and curator specializing in the promotion and dissemination of architecture, Jacinthe Gigou hosts “Jacinthe’s Chronicle” for Architecture de Collection, exploring remarkable heritage in France and Belgium…

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