“Ixelles Historical Society: the actress Audrey Hepburn was born here on May 4th 1929.” That’s what the golden plaque says. We are standing in front of 48 Rue Keyenveld. This is the birthplace of Audrey Hepburn.
Audrey Hepburn is a beloved star. She is known for her iconic Hollywood roles. She was an Oscar winner. She was a fashion icon. She served as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF.
But did you know she was born here in Brussels? Not American, but British, Audrey was born in this upscale neighborhood. Her birth was on May 4th, 1929.
Hepburn’s childhood was spent in different countries. She lived in Belgium, England, and the Netherlands. Her family was multicultural. Audrey’s mother was Dutch. Her father was of British-Irish descent. He worked for an insurance company in Brussels.
The family lived in Ixelles for a few years. It was here that Ella van Heemstra gave birth to Audrey. She would become a legend.
The house is now a private residence. New tenants live here. They are aware of the house’s history. They have even decorated their living room with photos of Audrey.
The golden plaque commemorates her birthplace. It is a tribute from the Ixelles Historical Society. Opposite the house, there was a mural. It was titled “Breakfast at Ixelles.” The mural paid homage to her famous film. Sadly, the mural has now been removed by the Ixelles community.
Hepburn retired from Hollywood in 1968. She spent her later years in Switzerland. She lived in Tolochenaz. It is a village near Morges. Audrey Hepburn died in 1993. She was buried in the local cemetery. Her grave is humble.
Many people don’t know that Audrey Hepburn spent 30 years in Switzerland. She retreated from celebrity life. She enjoyed tranquil years by Lac Leman.
Hepburn’s fame could have attracted many tourists. Plans to exploit this failed. The local museum is closed. But fans can still visit Morges and Tolochenaz. A map guides tourists. It shows her former residence and favorite cafés. It also marks the town hall where she married in 1969.
So, why visit this place today? You will discover a hidden gem. It’s in an off-the-beaten-path neighborhood of Brussels. You can snap a picture of the golden plaque. It marks where cinema history began. This unassuming building holds a special place in film history. It is the birthplace of Audrey Hepburn.