At the crossroads of two worlds, Place Masui, also known as Masuiplein, stands as a testament to time and transformation. Here, on this Brussels square, the municipalities of Brussels-City and Schaerbeek meet. Place Masui isn’t just a square. It’s a story etched in stone and pavement. The square’s namesake, Jean-Baptiste Masui, a prominent Belgian engineer, left his mark not only on this place but on the entire country’s infrastructure. In 1838, Masui became the first Director-General of the Belgian Railways. Later, in 1850, he took on the role of Director of Postal Services. Place Masui’s creation between 1858 and 1865 filled a curve in the Rue des Palais. Initially, it was an irregular polygon. However, in 1868, the Schaerbeek municipal administration requested a change. Land from the old Brussels-Mechelen railway line was added, transforming the square into a rectangle. Around 1905, further expansion to the southwest gave Place Masui its current form. The buildings that surround Place Masui tell their own stories. The north and east sides boast neoclassical houses. Most of these were built before 1876. They create a harmonious facade, with pairs of identical buildings like numbers 31 and 33 (built between 1881 and 1893) and numbers 33 and 34 (built before 1872). In contrast, the south side showcases an eclectic ensemble of buildings dating from 1905, seen in numbers 6 to 9. Later constructions add further variety. Tucked away within the block, you’ll find workshops. One notable example is the former stamp printing workshop of the Ministry of Finance at number 13. Today, Place Masui is also home to Zinneke asbl/vzw at number 13 and the Arche de Noé International Evangelical Mission at number 17. These organizations contribute to the square’s vibrant and diverse character. Place Masui’s evolution reflects the spirit of Brussels: a blend of history, progress, and community.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to