A neo-Gothic corner pharmacy in central Brussels, designed by architect Paul Saintenoy. Its richly decorated façade and corner tower echo the late Gothic architecture of its medieval neighbours.
At a glance
La Pharmacie Anglaise occupies a triangular plot on the Coudenberg in Brussels’s historic core. The building’s striking corner tower and ornamental stonework mark it as a deliberate architectural statement—a modern pharmacy dressed in the language of medieval Brussels.
History
Originally named Pharmacie Anglaise Ch. Delacre (English Pharmacy Ch. Delacre), this corner building was designed by Paul Saintenoy. It stands adjacent to a warehouse on the Rue Villa Hermosa, positioning itself within Brussels’s medieval street network.
What you see
The building’s neo-Gothic language deliberately echoes late Gothic forms, creating visual harmony with adjacent medieval structures such as the Hôtel Ravenstein. A prominent corner tower rises from the building’s acute angle, while richly decorated stonework enriches both street-facing façades. The design reflects a late 19th-century impulse to integrate new construction respectfully within historic districts.
Cultural significance
La Pharmacie Anglaise exemplifies a particular moment in European urbanism—when architects sought to complement rather than dominate historic cities. Saintenoy’s design respects its medieval context while asserting itself as a modern commercial building, a balance increasingly rare in contemporary urban renewal.
Key facts
- Location: Brussels, Belgium (50.84°N, 4.36°E)
- Architect: Paul Saintenoy
- Style: Neo-Gothic
- Original function: Pharmacy
Practical information & getting there
La Pharmacie Anglaise is located on the Coudenberg in Brussels’s city centre, within walking distance of the Grand Place and the Sablon district. The building remains in active use. Details about interior access or opening hours are not readily available; visitors interested in viewing the interior are advised to inquire locally.
Sources & resources
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