Built in 1903 the Athénée Charles Janssens stands proudly. Its eclectic architecture is a testament to its rich history. This isn’t just any school. It’s a place steeped in stories. Stories of students past and present. Stories woven into the very bricks and mortar.
The Athénée Charles Janssens didn’t begin as a grand secondary school. It started humbly. It first opened its doors as an école du commerce a school of commerce. Over time it evolved. It changed names several times. It became the École de Commerce Charles Janssens. Then the Institut Charles Janssens. Finally in 1981 it settled on its current name. This was in honor of Charles Janssens a former mayor of Ixelles.
Before the Athénée even existed this spot held a different purpose. In 1889 a photographic workshop stood here. The photographers Nels produced postcards. Their images captured the spirit of the time. Think of it the ghost of a bygone era lingers in the shadows of this building.
The Athénée Charles Janssens building itself is a work of art. Architects Henri Vandeveld and Constant Bosmans designed it. Their eclectic style is evident in every detail. These same architects also designed the Solvay Institute of Sociology now the Solvay Library. This is just one of their many remarkable buildings in Brussels.
The Athénée occupies a large plot of land. It stretches from Rue Major René Dubreucq to Chaussée de Wavre. It has three distinct entrances. The main entrance is on Rue Major René Dubreucq. It faces Place de Londres. There’s also a smaller more discreet entrance on Chaussée de Wavre. This entrance is part of a building with only a ground floor.
But the most intriguing part of the Athénée’s story is its connection to Hergé. The famous Tintin creator studied at the nearby École Eugène Flagey. This school was located in the very buildings that now house the Athénée. To celebrate this legacy a magnificent Tintin mural adorns one of the school’s courtyards. The other courtyard is dedicated to Charles Janssens himself.
The Athénée Charles Janssens is more than just a school. It’s a living museum. It’s a place where history and education intertwine. It’s a place where the past whispers to the present. So as you stand here today take a moment to appreciate its enduring legacy. Let the stories of the Athénée Charles Janssens inspire you.