Maison Bruno Schmidt

Did Bruno Schmidt ever imagine his home would become a whispered legend? Right here, at 172 Avenue Molière in Ixelles, stands Maison Bruno Schmidt. This architectural gem, completed in 1910, showcases the geometric Art Nouveau style. Jean-Baptiste Dewin, the architect, designed it for Bruno Schmidt, an engineer. Dewin, known for his interpretation of the Viennese Secession, left his mark on this elegant building. The facade, symmetrically arranged around a central oriel, is a visual feast. Three levels rise, each echoing the geometric precision of the style. Notice the ground floor. Built with alternating Euville stone and blue stone bands, it commands attention. The doorway to the right and the triplet of windows to the left whisper tales of elegant entrances and sunlit rooms. Both are topped by lintels adorned with a dentil frieze. Look closely at the right doorpost. Dewin’s signature is etched there, a quiet assertion of his artistry. Four colossal pilasters, spanning multiple levels, connect the first and second floors. They draw the eye upwards, culminating in blue stone accents. The windows, graced with geometrically patterned stained glass, are also crowned with dentil friezes. These friezes mirror those on the ground floor, creating a visual harmony that unites the structure. Observe the second-floor window spandrels. They hold mosaic panels depicting Horus, the Egyptian falcon god. Animals, especially those rooted in mythology, were a recurring motif in Dewin’s work around this period. Maison Bruno Schmidt is no exception. In addition to the Horus mosaics, bees are depicted on the wrought-iron gate. They also adorn the discreet air vents beneath the windows. The facade’s central section culminates in a frieze of five mosaic panels. These panels, with their geometric patterns, are a hallmark of Dewin’s art. Maison Bruno Schmidt stands as a testament to Dewin’s mastery of the geometric Art Nouveau style. Its striking design, rich in symbolism and detail, continues to captivate.