South-east row

The Swan

Le Cygne · De Zwane

The façade

Restrained and monumental façade, in the classical French style, topped by a domed roof finished with a belvedere. Originally, the figurative program was limited to the speaking signboard and monogram of the owner Pierre Fariseau. The Guild of Butchers completed this program with allegories of Agriculture and Butchery on either side of a statue of Abundance, on the pediment of the house. The restorers of the 19th century respected this extended program.

History and restorations

Reconstruction in 1698 (Architect Cornelis Van Nerven). Restoration in 1895-1904; most recent restoration by the City completed in 2008.

Did you know

Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels frequented this house in 1848. The Belgian Workers Party was founded here in 1885.

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

Le Cygne on the Grand-Place, the swan carved above its door in a spray of green foliage and the date Anno 1698 on the gable above, with Le Bistrot's windows either side and visitors sitting on the steps.
Le Cygne on the Grand-Place, the swan carved above its door in a spray of green foliage and the date Anno 1698 on the gable above, with Le Bistrot's windows either side and visitors sitting on the steps.
Le Cygne on the Grand-Place, the swan carved above its door in a spray of green foliage and the date Anno 1698 on the gable above, with Le Bistrot's windows either side and visitors sitting on the steps.