PHOTOGRAPHY
“Je t’aime” Party
- The Cello Maker
Cepi and Stora Enso
Cohabs
A Daily Perspective
TABAS
Info
The Passage du Nord is a shopping arcade that connects boulevard Adolphe Max to rue Neuve. It continues the tradition of covered shopping streets established in Brussels in the 19th century, following places like the Passage de la Monnaie (1820), the Royal Galleries of Saint-Hubert (1847). This eclectic-style building was constructed between 1881 and 1882 by architect Henri Rieck. The gallery features thirty-four shops and ranks as the second most important arcade in Brussels after the Royal Galleries of Saint-Hubert. There are also 32 caryatids that seem to stand guard, representing Metallurgy, Commerce, Astronomy, Architecture, Sculpture, Painting, and Decorative Arts. Recently, the passage underwent a complete renovation. Both the façades and the two domes on the roof facing Place de Brouckère have been restored to their former glory. The interior spaces are now also welcoming unique living arrangements reimagined by the company Cohabs, a group of young entrepreneurs and creators who are bringing shared living spaces to life all across Europe and even in the United States. I was fortunate enough to witness part of the building’s renovation. I must admit, I was captivated by a very dynamic team filled with ideas and unafraid to take risks. A new energy now fills the premises while maintaining an original and robust eclectic spirit. It’s a blend of influences and styles, reflecting the future residents perfectly. At its core, these galleries were always about bringing together people from all walks of life: commercial interactions, cultural exchanges, plus they provided a cozy refuge for passersby on rainy days. Now, the gallery is bustling in the heart of Brussels with people from around the globe.