Did you ever hear of a street named after a flower? Here on Avenue des Arums – or Aronskelkenlaan, as it’s known in Flemish – we find just that. Avenue des Arums is tucked away in the Pinoy neighborhood of Auderghem. This charming street, just 160 meters long, runs from Avenue Pré des Agneaux and ends in a cul-de-sac just past Rue des Oxalis. Interestingly, an unmarked path connects Avenue des Arums to Avenue Théo Vanpé. The houses on Avenue des Arums have even numbers from 8 to 12. There are no buildings on the odd-numbered side. The story of Avenue des Arums begins with the Floréal Cooperative Housing Society. Founded in 1921, the society completed its construction project in this area in 1954. They wanted to name the new avenue after a flower, reflecting the many gardens that bordered it. These gardens marked the boundary between Auderghem and Watermael-Boitsfort. Staying true to the floral theme of the Le Floréal neighborhood, the society suggested “Arums.” This flower name hadn’t been used in the Brussels region. The municipal council agreed, and Avenue des Arums was born. The gardens along Avenue des Arums offered a peaceful contrast to the bustling city. Imagine the colorful arums blooming, their unique spathe a vibrant addition to the neighborhood. This serene setting once had a grander neighbor. In the early 20th century, Omer Lepreux, a former vice-governor of the National Bank, owned a castle nearby, along what is now Boulevard du Souverain. Lepreux was known in Auderghem for his support of the Prince Charles sanatorium in the Blankedelle district. While the castle is gone, the tranquil beauty of Avenue des Arums, named for the elegant arum flower, remains.
Rue Albert Meurice – Albert Meuricestraat
Serenity Bar a yoga studio sits on Rue Albert Meurice. This quiet street in Etterbeek Brussels holds a peaceful energy.