Avenue Edouard de Thibault – Edouard de Thibaultlaan

Opened in 1926, Avenue Edouard de Thibault stands as a testament to Etterbeek’s rich history. Avenue Edouard de Thibault gracefully curves from General Tombeur Street to King Victor Square. A central reservation, added in 1952, bisects Avenue Edouard de Thibault, lending a touch of green to the urban landscape. The avenue draws its name from a prominent Etterbeek alderman, Edouard de Thibault. Avenue Edouard de Thibault’s charm largely resides in its 1920s and 1930s architecture. Many buildings feature brick facades, adorned with faux stone accents. Most rise three stories high. Notice buildings at numbers 10, 16, 22, 41, 47, 62, and 64. These showcase the architectural styles of Jean Finné and Pierre Van Meerbeek. Numbers 12 and 14 offer a glimpse into Finné’s vision of architectural ensembles. Look for the Etterbeekse Haard buildings. These social housing projects tell a unique story. Number 70, on the corner of J. Massartstraat, was designed by Léon Legrand in 1929. A decorative corner section displays a plaque honoring Oscar Velghe, a key figure in the Etterbeekse Haard’s history. Numbers 72 to 76, designed by Jean Timmermans, and number 78, by Jacques De Coster, further illustrate the architectural diversity along Avenue Edouard de Thibault. These buildings share a common garden at the rear, a peaceful oasis amidst the urban bustle. While Avenue Edouard de Thibault retains much of its interwar charm, modern apartment buildings punctuate the streetscape, marking the passage of time and evolving urban needs. This blend of old and new adds to the avenue’s unique character.