What if this building could whisper tales of Brussels’ past? This is the Maison des Chats. It is also known as Hier is’t in den Kater en de Kat. This translates to “Here is the Tomcat and the Cat”. This building stands proudly on Boulevard Adolphe Max. It is a testament to Brussels’ architectural ambition.
The Maison des Chats was built between 1873 and 1875. Henri Beyaert was its architect. The building emerged following the covering of the River Senne. This led to the creation of the grand boulevards of the city center. The Maison des Chats embodies Flemish Neo-Renaissance architecture. It draws inspiration from the guildhalls of the Grand Place.
Look closely at the facade. You will see a frieze bearing the inscription “Hier is’t in den kater en de kat”. Sculptor Georges Houtstont decorated the facade. Two feline figures adorn the upper part of the gable. These cats give the building its unique name.
The city of Brussels organized an architecture competition between 1872 and 1876. The Maison des Chats won first prize. It perfectly captured the spirit of the time. The goal was to promote a Belgian national style. The building uses details from 17th-century buildings on Grand Place. The Maison des Chats became an early example of Flemish Neo-Renaissance style.
The building has four levels. It has an entresol. Its facade features a gable with volutes. The facade is richly sculpted. G. Houtstont created the sculptures. Horizontal lines mark the different registers. A central projection vertically emphasizes the facade. The lower part features bossages. It is topped by a continuous entablature. This entablature includes a central arcade. The arcade has a molded arch. It is flanked by doors with fanlights and rectangular windows.
Notice the balconies. They have continuous balustrades. Pilasters or half-columns punctuate the facade. They showcase Tuscan, Ionic, and Corinthian orders. Atlantes support the central projection. Composite fluted pilasters of colossal order connect the third and fourth levels.
The balconies rest on heavy volute consoles. These are adorned with lion muzzles and claws on the second level. A loggia precedes a small Mercury statue on the fourth level. A wide classical entablature crowns the building. The frieze bears the inscription “HIER IST / IN DEN / KATER / EN / DE / KAT”. The gable is richly decorated. It is highlighted by a balcony with stone elements. The first register features a Serlian window. It is flanked by trophies and volutes. Two small animals surmount these. The second register has an aedicule. It bears the initials “BB” and the year “1874”. Colonnettes flank it. A triangular pediment tops it. An obelisk crowns the pediment.
In 1932, architect Paul Hamesse designed a marble storefront for the ground floor. A recent awning completes the modern touch. The Maison des Chats stands as a classified historical monument. It has stood the test of time.
So, here stands the Maison des Chats. It is more than just a building. It is a symbol of Brussels’ architectural heritage. It is a blend of history, art, and culture. It is a place where tomcats and cats keep watch over the city.