North-east row

The Pigeon

Le Pigeon · De Duif

The façade

Façade still inspired by the Renaissance, perhaps in reference to the previous façade, with overlapping registers, arched windows, a Venetian window and grotesque decorations. Grotesque decoration above the entrances and on the corbels at mezzanine level, probably dating from the end of the 18th century.

History and restorations

House reconstructed in 1697 with a stone façade (Architect Pieter Simons). Restoration in 1901-1908, with preservation of the façade, except for the rebuilt gable; most recent restoration by the City completed in 2012.

Did you know

Victor Hugo stayed on the main floor of this house in 1852, at the start of his exile. It was here that he wrote some of his work including his "Napoleon the Little" pamphlet.

The sections above are the city's own survey text, Ville de Bruxelles / Data Management, CC BY 4.0.

Two carved grotesque masks on corbels at mezzanine level on the Maison du Pigeon, either side of an arched window, with red geraniums in the window boxes below.
Two carved grotesque masks on corbels at mezzanine level on the Maison du Pigeon, either side of an arched window, with red geraniums in the window boxes below.Photo EmDee, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.