Do you know why this street is called Rue de l’Hôtel des Monnaies? Its name comes from the former Brussels Hotel des Monnaies. The building was located at number 99.
Rue de l’Hôtel des Monnaies stretches through Saint-Gilles. It runs from Avenue Henri Jaspar to the Saint-Gilles barrier. The street intersects with Rue Berckmans. It also crosses Rue Jourdan and Place Julien Dillens. Rue de la Source and Rue du Métal are also on its path. You will also find Rue de la Victoire and Rue de Moscou here. Rue de Rome, Rue Louis Coenen, and Rue des Étudiants also intersect. Finally Rue de la Rhétorique and Rue Steens complete its route.
Let’s delve into the history of Rue de l’Hôtel des Monnaies. It was once called Uccle road. Later it was known as Saint-Gilles road. The street’s alignment was officially set in 1862. This also defined the layout of new streets. These streets were to open between Waterloo and Charleroi roads. The Louise district and Waterloo boulevard were also included. The new street needed to cross private properties. These were expropriated according to an 1869 plan.
The Hotel des Monnaies played a big role here. This is why Rue de l’Hôtel des Monnaies got its name. The Hotel des Monnaies opened in 1880. Parliament decided to build it in 1871. This moved the national mint from Place de la Monnaie. Architect A. Roussel designed the complex. The complex covered nearly 5.000 square meters. It was bordered by Rue de l’Hôtel des Monnaies. It also included Rue de Moscou. Rue de la Victoire and Rue Jourdan completed the borders.
The presence of the Hotel des Monnaies changed the area. Wealthy owners built houses here from 1880. They constructed beautiful eclectic houses. These drew inspiration from the Flemish Neo-Renaissance style. You can still see examples at numbers 88, 90 and 92. Numbers 96, 100, 102, 106, 110, and 112 also showcase this style.
The Hotel des Monnaies was later used by a school. Eventually it was abandoned. The municipality of Saint-Gilles bought it. They decided to demolish it in 1979. Today only a small one-level building remains. It stands at the south end of the park. The park was created on the site of the Hotel des Monnaies. You can find it at numbers 91 to 105 on Rue de l’Hôtel des Monnaies.
Let’s look at another notable building. At numbers 126-128 once stood the Cénacle. This was a religious establishment. Architect Émar Collès designed it in 1899. It occupied a large area. This area was between Rue de l’Hôtel des Monnaies and Rue de Parme. Rue des Étudiants was also included. The building had four wings around a central courtyard. One side of the courtyard had an arcade. The northeast part housed a chapel. This building was replaced by the Jacques Franck technical school. Today it is the École du Parvis. Architect Louis H. Kuypers designed it in 1969. A second U-shaped building remains. It faces Rue des Étudiants. The remaining land is now Pierre Paulus Park.
The original buildings on Rue de l’Hôtel des Monnaies were built between 1870 and 1905. These buildings were mostly neoclassical and eclectic. Many used polychrome facades. Some of these houses were destroyed in the 20th century. This included those between Rue de l’Hôtel des Monnaies and Rue Jourdan. The block between Avenue de la Toison d’Or and Rue Bosquet was also affected. Today a large complex occupies this area. It includes office buildings and apartments.
To combat urban decay a revitalization program started. It was called the Métal-Monnaies neighborhood contract. This ran from 2003 to 2007. Its goals were to renovate existing housing. The project also aimed to support local businesses. Public spaces were improved. Residents were encouraged to get involved. Rue de l’Hôtel des Monnaies stands as a testament to Brussels’ evolving story. It blends history with modern life.