Whispers of history echo around Château Sainte-Anne, also known as Sint-Annakasteel. This grand château, nestled on Rue du Vieux Moulin, speaks of a time of elegance and grandeur. Château Sainte-Anne wasn’t always the structure you see before you. The current building, a stately display of classical architecture, dates back to 1902. It replaced an older structure on the same site. The man behind this transformation was Charles Waucquez, a wealthy textile merchant. He commissioned architect Louis Sauvage to create this masterpiece. Waucquez, originally from Quévy-le-Grand, had a keen eye for design. He was also the man who commissioned Victor Horta to design the Old England building, now the Belgian Comic Strip Center. This shows his appreciation for both classic and Art Nouveau styles. Château Sainte-Anne has a fascinating history intertwined with the Waucquez family. Charles Waucquez lived here with his wife, Gabrielle Idiers. Their daughter, Germaine, married Maximilien Pastur. Their grandson, Jacques Pastur, a lieutenant colonel and pilot, later resided at Château Sainte-Anne. The ownership of Château Sainte-Anne changed hands several times after Charles Waucquez’s death. Eventually, in 1959, the Belgian state acquired the property. It then served a diplomatic purpose, housing the Maison Européenne de Val Duchesse. This organization promoted cultural and social exchanges among European Community members, NATO personnel, and diplomats. Finally, in 1996, Château Sainte-Anne was sold to the Royal International Club Château Sainte-Anne, its current owner. This exclusive club, with over 2,000 members, ensures that the château’s legacy of elegance and history continues.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to