Before you stands the Maison Van Bellighen Tomberg a masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture. This isn’t just a house it’s a story etched in stone and glass.
Built in 1900 by the renowned architect Ernest Blerot for Monsieur Van Bellinghen Tomberg a roofing materials supplier this building showcases exceptional craftsmanship. Van Bellinghen Tomberg himself held a patent for hooked slates a detail that adds a unique layer to the building’s history. The house next door built a year later was also for the same client. Mosaics above the door proudly advertise this fact.
Notice the elaborate woodwork. Marvel at the exceptional stained glass. The windows are topped with exquisite mosaics. These aren’t mere decorations. They tell tales. On the first floor you’ll see a rooster at dawn a symbol of new beginnings. Above the second-floor windows a flight of swallows captures the essence of freedom.
Blerot’s talent was clearly in demand. Just two years later he created a strikingly similar house for the artist Louise de Hem located at 17 rue Darwin. The Maison Van Bellighen Tomberg however stands as a testament to Blerot’s unique vision.
The main house boasts a magnificent facade. Its curves and intricate details create a sense of movement and elegance. The building is constructed of white Euville stone punctuated by bands of blue stone creating a stunning visual contrast.
Look closely. Notice the main entrance. The elegantly designed oak door is adorned with yellow stained glass. The wrought iron work is seamlessly integrated into the design. Even the mailbox is a work of art. Above the door’s lintel there is a stained-glass transom window. It depicts a heron and a dragonfly before an aquatic scene.
The first floor features a trapezoidal oriel window. This is framed by yellow stained-glass panes with straight mullions. The window sits on a base decorated with plant-like forms. Next to it is a bay window with similar features. A wrought-iron balcony gracefully extends from the front of the window. The oriel and the bay window are topped by a lintel. The lintel is a low arch decorated with mosaics of a rooster symbolizing day and an owl for night.
The second floor is a stunning display of three windows. Each window is crowned with another arched tympanum. This displays a mosaic of swallows against a blue sky a stunning visual representation of the seasons. The entire building is crowned by an overhanging cornice supported by thirteen differently sized modillons.
The Maison Van Bellighen Tomberg is more than just a pretty face. It’s a lasting symbol of Art Nouveau. It’s a testament to the artistry of Ernest Blerot and the vision of Monsieur Van Bellinghen Tomberg. It’s a piece of Brussels history waiting to be discovered. Its beauty lies not only in its appearance but in the stories it silently narrates.