Wonder what makes Centre Scolaire du Souverain so special? This school in Auderghem is more than just a place of learning. It is a monument to architectural beauty and innovative education.
The Centre Scolaire du Souverain stands at the intersection of Rue des Écoliers and Rue Robert Willame. The location is near Boulevard du Souverain. The school’s name comes from this boulevard.
In January 1908, Auderghem decided to build a new communal school. An architectural competition followed. Henri Jacobs, an Art Nouveau architect, won the competition in May 1908. Jacobs designed about fifteen schools in the Brussels region.
Construction of the Centre Scolaire du Souverain took place from 1910 to 1913. December 28, 1913 marked the inauguration day. Since 1998, the site has been a protected historical monument.
The Centre Scolaire du Souverain showcases many Art Nouveau elements. These elements are visible both inside and outside. The original showers are still in excellent condition and are still in use.
On Rue des Écoliers, the facade is simple with white plaster. A beautiful entrance door features an awning. Two consoles support the awning with Art Nouveau decoration. Above the awning, ceramic tiles display the inscription “Gemeente lagere jongensschool – École primaire communale de garçons”. This translates to “Municipal primary school for boys”.
The facade on Rue Robert Willame is more colorful. It combines orange bricks, stone, and ceramic panels. This facade is asymmetrical. A small facade has two narrow bays and a pointed gable. A larger facade has two wide bays with double windows. The upper floor is also asymmetrical. A door similar to the one on Rue des Écoliers is present. Ceramic panels display “Teekenschool – École de dessin” and “Huishoudschool – École ménagère”. These translate to “Drawing school” and “Home economics school”. Further up, a large ceramic panel reads “Gemeente lagere meisjesschool – École primaire de filles” and “Kindertuin – Jardin d’enfants”. This translates to “Municipal primary school for girls” and “Kindergarten”. The facade has an asymmetrical upper floor. It features a balcony with a stone balustrade and Art Nouveau ironwork. A sculpted ornament shaped like a bundled column ends in an Art Nouveau fleuron.
The facades bordering the recreation courtyard share materials. These include orange bricks, stone, and ceramic panels. The base is simpler. The facade on the northwest side has two asymmetrical parts. One part has three narrow bays. The other has three wide bays. The northwest facade features corner chains. Rectangular windows with metal lintels are on the ground floor. Large bays with white and orange ceramic sills are on the upper floor. Arches made of alternating white and orange bricks top these bays. The right side of the northwest facade has three monumental tripartite bays. Stone mullions and transoms divide the bays. Four strong Art Nouveau pinnacles top the facade. The northeast facade has seven bays.
Today, the Centre Scolaire du Souverain houses the École Supérieure des Arts du Cirque de Bruxelles. It also houses the Académie Communale de Musique d’Auderghem.
In the early 1990s, the Brussels Circus School needed new premises. The municipality offered part of the schoolyard. In return, they provided circus training to primary and kindergarten students. Each year, fifth and sixth graders perform a show. This show involves all students. Pleasure, expression, creativity, physical activity, a shared project, and overcoming shyness are offered by this “cirquetudes” formula.
The Centre Scolaire du Souverain organizes a “Clin d’Oeil du Cirquétudes” day. During this day, children show their progress in psycho and circomotricity. A year-end show is also organized. The show culminates the work of children and the teaching team.
The Centre Scolaire du Souverain is not just a school. It is a place where history, art, and education come together. It is a monument to Auderghem’s commitment to its children.