Old England, Art Nouveau department store in Royal Quarter, Brussels
Old England is a six-story building in the Royal Quarter constructed with a steel frame and extensive glass walls that flood the interior with light. An octagonal tower crowns the structure with decorative metalwork and ornamental details typical of the period.
Designed by architect Paul Saintenoy in 1899, the building opened as a department store serving Brussels' affluent neighborhoods. The government purchased it in 1972 after its commercial use ended, ensuring its survival as a cultural landmark.
The building now houses a museum dedicated to musical instruments, reflecting Brussels' longstanding tradition of craftspeople who built these objects. Visitors can see how this craft shaped the city's character and reputation.
The building sits at Rue Montagne de la Cour 2 in a central location easily reached on foot from major transit hubs. A rooftop terrace provides sweeping views across the lower city and surrounding rooftops.
The construction consumed over 250 tons of steel from a Belgian foundry, a remarkable amount for a building of this scale in 1899. Approximately 700 square meters of mirrors were integrated throughout the interior to amplify light and create a sense of spaciousness.
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