Fancy architecture is just one of the things that awaits you here on Rue Auguste Mourcou. This street offers a glimpse into Lille’s past. It honors a significant local architect.
Rue Auguste Mourcou is nestled in the Saint-Maurice-Pellevoisin district. It stands as a tribute to Auguste Hubert Mourcou. He was a renowned architect born in Lille in 1823. Auguste Mourcou died in the same city in 1911.
Auguste Mourcou’s architectural journey began at the academic schools of Lille. He became a student of Charles Benvignat. Benvignat was another prominent regional architect. Auguste Mourcou worked with him for nine years. Their collaboration included the construction of the Saint-Martin d’Esquermes church.
In 1852, Auguste Mourcou was appointed architect for the communes and public establishments of the Nord. A year later, he became the architect for the hospices of Lille. His work extended to various public buildings. He co-founded the Regional Society of Architects of the North of France in 1868.
For three decades, Auguste Mourcou collaborated with Henri Contamine. Together, they designed numerous public buildings. Their most famous project is the Palais Rameau in Lille.
Rue Auguste Mourcou itself presents some architectural gems. A beautiful Art Deco house stands out. It features a large arched bay and a small octagonal window. Look for the cubist decorations. Across from it, a balanced house showcases ornamental motifs from the 1910s. Near the Parvis de Notre Dame, an elegant Art Nouveau house catches the eye. Its yellow and red brickwork create a pleasant aesthetic.
The street provides an unobstructed view of the Notre-Dame de Pellevoisin church. Auguste Mourcou would have appreciated its contemporary architecture. He was a member of the Society of Sciences, Agriculture, and Arts of Lille. Auguste Mourcou contributed significantly to the architectural landscape of northern France. Examples of his work are the Palais Rameau and the Lycée Montebello. The Lycée Montebello was formerly the Hôpital de la Charité.
Auguste Mourcou also served as the architect for the Nord department. He was also appointed architect for the civil hospices of Lille. His projects included the psychiatric hospital of Bailleul. He constructed the Hôpital de la Charité on Boulevard Montebello. Also he designed the Saint-Paul school center and its former Saint-Joseph chapel. Besides hospitals, he built many private mansions.
The street was dedicated to him the year following his death. So take a moment to appreciate the architectural heritage around you on Rue Auguste Mourcou. It connects you to Lille’s history and the legacy of a local architect.