Located at Rue des Francs 5, near the Cinquantenaire Park in Etterbeek, Brussels, Maison Cauchie stands as a magnificent and unique testament to the Art Nouveau movement. Built between 1904 and 1905, this terraced house was the personal home and studio of its creator, the multi-talented architect, painter, and designer Paul Cauchie (1873-1952), and his wife, Lina Voet.
Widely celebrated as one of Brussels’ most beautiful Art Nouveau buildings, Maison Cauchie is an architectural and artistic marvel that almost disappeared. The house is considered an “architectural UFO” due to its distinctiveness and has been described as rivaling the works of the renowned Victor Horta.
The most striking feature of Maison Cauchie is its extraordinary facade, which Paul and Lina Cauchie designed as a monumental “advertisement” for their decorative talents. An inscription on the frontage, “Par Nous, Pour Nous” (By Us, For Us), serves as a bold motto and a testament to the couple’s personal dedication to their craft.
The entire facade is a canvas of sgraffito, an intricate technique of scratching through a surface layer to reveal a contrasting color beneath. The sgraffito on Maison Cauchie features allegories of the arts, as well as female faces and floral motifs, all meticulously crafted with golden accents. Unlike the sinuous, organic lines often associated with Art Nouveau, Maison Cauchie’s sgraffito is defined by its symmetry and geometric forms, reflecting influences from the Viennese Secession and the Glasgow School. The base of the house, with its blue stone, delicate wooden columns (and some in cast iron), and an exquisitely crafted balcony, creates an immediate visual impact, compelling passersby to stop and admire the artistry.
Maison Cauchie is more than just a beautiful exterior; it is a Gesamtkunstwerk, or “total work of art.” The interior is just as stunning, with every detail—from the walls and ceilings to the furniture and stained glass—harmoniously integrated into a single artistic vision. Paul and Lina poured their souls into the house, which also served as a studio for clients. The delicate colors, geometric forms, and custom-made furniture all combine to create a livable masterpiece that truly transports visitors back in time.
Despite its artistic significance, Maison Cauchie faced a period of neglect and was on the brink of ruin. After the death of the Cauchies, the house fell into disrepair during the 1970s, a period when much of Brussels’ architectural heritage was at risk. Even after being classified as a protected monument in 1975, its future remained uncertain.
A fun fact from this era is that the creator of Tintin, Hergé, considered turning the house into a Tintin museum. While the project was ultimately abandoned in favor of what would become the Belgian Comic Strip Center, it highlights the house’s enduring appeal.
Fortunately, in the 1980s, a passionate couple, Guy and Léona Dessicy, took on the monumental task of saving the house. After fifteen years of dedicated restoration, they successfully brought Maison Cauchie back to its former glory.
How to Visit Maison Cauchie
Since 1994, Maison Cauchie has been open to the public, allowing visitors to experience this Art Nouveau gem firsthand. You can book a visit in advance by booking a private tour with us in Brussels to delve into the house’s history and admire the couple’s work. The ground floor also houses a gallery displaying paintings, photos, and historical documents.
Admission for a visit this building is €9.50 for a full-price ticket, €7.50 for a reduced-price ticket (for students and those under 26), and free for children under 12 and holders of the Brussels Art Nouveau Pass.
