House R. Moretus-De Theux

Acquired in 1950 by the F.O.B. clinic (Federation of Mutual Assistance), in 1979 purchased by the city of Antwerp for the benefit of the Fourth Police Department.
Large hotel in Neo-Flemish Renaissance style designed by J. Stordiau, from 1879-84. Semi-detached building of five bays and three floors under a spacious mansard roof with variously designed dormers and typical chimneys. Facade of brick and natural stone on a profiled base of blue stone, interrupted by semicircular barred cellar windows. Notable tall central bays and risalit-forming side bays, respectively treated as gable ends with volutes, claw pieces in the shape of griffins, entablatures and pediments, and broken triangular gables with natural stone eaves, finials, and window frames with pilasters and an entablature.
Ground floor and main floor with colossal window sections, cross-windows with natural stone sills, styles and frames, including root motif, flutes, balusters, diamond heads, consoles with mask heads, etc. Alternating under a corniced water table or three-sided pediment with high reliefs, the intervening parapets adorned with medallions featuring portraits of illustrious humanists, including B. Moretus, C. Plantin, J. Lipsius, etc. by sculptor L. Dupuis. Third floor with round-arched galleries and loggias preceded by a balcony with a balustrade.
Extremely low, monumental round-arched gate in a profiled frame, flanked by lions and slender columns under an entablature, the latter with a sculpted frieze, featuring among others an image of a compass and printer's mark; original wooden double door with heavy paneling.
Interior: monumental Neo-Renaissance staircase hall with skylight, marble floors, porticoes and stair railings, the latter with bronze balusters, stucco work, original wooden interior doors with paneling.

Brackie