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Maison du Pigeon: A Grand Place Gem

Discover Maison du Pigeon, a baroque masterpiece on Brussels' Grand Place, steeped in history and once home to Victor Hugo.

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Maison du Pigeon, or 'De Duif' in Dutch, is a baroque house on Brussels' Grand Place with a rich history. Once owned by the painter's guild, it provided refuge for Victor Hugo during his exile in 1852, where he penned 'Napoléon le Petit'. Today, its ornate facade adds to the square's architectural splendor.

A brief summary to Maison du Pigeon

  • Grand Place 26/27, Brussels, Pentagon, BE

Local tips

  • Visit during the early hours to avoid crowds and fully appreciate the architecture of the Grand Place.
  • Check for any special events or exhibitions that may be taking place at Grand Place during your visit.
  • Take a guided tour of the Grand Place to learn more about the historical significance of the area.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Maison du Pigeon is located on the Grand Place, making it easily accessible on foot from many central Brussels locations. From Brussels Central Station, walk northeast for about 5 minutes. As you approach the Grand Place, Maison du Pigeon is located on the north side of the square, between the houses of Chaloupe d'Or and Marchand d'Or. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    Maison du Pigeon is well-served by public transport. From Brussels Central Station, take bus lines 29, 46, 58, 95, or R28 to the Grand Place/Grote Markt stop. The ride is short, and the bus stop is a 2-minute walk from Maison du Pigeon. A single ticket costs €3. Alternatively, take subway lines 1, 5, 4, or 10 to De Brouckere station, which is a 6-minute walk to Grand Place.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available from Brussels Central Station to Maison du Pigeon. The ride takes approximately 3 minutes and costs between €6 and €8. Several taxi companies operate in Brussels, including Taxis Autolux, Taxi Brussels, and Taxi Bleus. Taxis can be found at the front of Grand Place.

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Discover more about Maison du Pigeon

Located on the north side of the Grand Place, between the Chaloupe d'Or and the Marchand d'Or houses, Maison du Pigeon stands as a testament to Brussels' rich history and architectural grandeur. The house, known as 'De Duif' in Dutch, boasts a stunning baroque facade that contributes to the square's UNESCO World Heritage status. Originally, Maison du Pigeon was owned by the Guild of Painters since the 15th century. However, the original structure was heavily damaged during the bombardment of Brussels by French troops in 1695. The guild sold what remained of the house to Pierre Simon, a stonemason and architect, who is credited with designing the rebuilt facade in 1697. The house underwent restoration between 1906 and 1908 by architect J. Segers. Maison du Pigeon is also known for being the place where Victor Hugo resided during his exile in 1852. Fleeing France after his opposition to Napoleon III, Hugo found refuge here and wrote his famous pamphlet 'Napoléon le Petit'. A commemorative plaque on the facade honors his stay. The building's architecture features a three-bay facade constructed of stone. The first-floor windows have lowered arches and are adorned with grotesque masks. Pilasters with ionic-style capitals frame the second-floor windows. The central bay features a Serlian window, adding to the building's elegance.

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