Nestled in the charming suburb of Jette, just a short journey from the bustling heart of Brussels, lies a treasure trove of surrealist art and history: the Museum René Magritte Musée. This quaint museum, dedicated to the legendary Belgian painter René Magritte, offers a unique glimpse into the life and works of one of the 20th century's most influential surrealists. The museum is housed in the very building where Magritte lived and created many of his iconic pieces from 1930 to 1954, making it a pilgrimage site for art lovers and Magritte enthusiasts alike.
René Magritte, originally from the Walloon province of Hainaut, moved to Brussels in 1915 at the age of 17. He spent the majority of his life in the city, residing in seven different homes throughout his stay. His time in Brussels was briefly interrupted by a three-year stint in the Parisian suburb of Le Perreux-sur-Marne from 1927 to 1930. Upon returning to Brussels, Magritte and his wife Georgette rented the ground-floor apartment at 135 Rue Esseghem/Esseghemstraat in Jette. This humble abode became the epicenter of Belgian surrealism for nearly 24 years. In 1954, having achieved considerable success as a painter, Magritte moved to a villa in Schaerbeek/Schaarbeek, where he lived until his death in 1967.
After Magritte's passing, there were numerous calls to convert his final residence into a museum. However, due to financial constraints and lack of government support, the plan never materialized, and the villa, along with its contents, was auctioned off. Enter André Garitte, an art collector from Antwerp, who began acquiring pieces from the Magritte estate using auction catalogs as his guide. Garitte eventually purchased the house on Rue Esseghem/Esseghemstraat, which was still owned by Magritte's former landlord. From 1993, Garitte undertook extensive renovations to transform the house into a museum, which finally opened its doors to the public in 1999. This museum was the first in Brussels dedicated to Magritte, with a second, state-run museum following in 2009.
The museum is situated in a typical Brussels row house with a brick facade, common in the suburban areas of Jette and other parts of the Belgian capital. While the building itself might not boast any extraordinary architectural features, its significance lies in its history and the creative genius that once resided within its walls. Visitors can explore the very rooms where Magritte lived and worked, gaining insight into the environment that inspired nearly half of his oeuvre.
One of the most captivating aspects of the museum is the meticulous reconstruction of Magritte's apartment. Thanks to Garitte's efforts, around 70% of the original furniture has been recovered and displayed, including the Magrittes' piano, the original bedroom set, and the simple cabinets Magritte designed as a wedding gift for his wife. The remaining 30% of the furnishings are period-appropriate additions, carefully selected to maintain the authenticity of the space. The color schemes of the rooms have also been faithfully restored, with the living room's blue walls and the bedroom's dominant red hue reflecting the original decor.
Interestingly, Magritte never had a dedicated studio. In 1932, he constructed an atelier-like annex in the garden of the Rue Esseghem house, not for painting, but to showcase his work as a commercial artist. His paintings were created in the kitchen, where his easel still stands today. As his artistic success grew, the garden atelier was repurposed as a storage space for completed works, while the kitchen remained his creative sanctuary.
Beyond Magritte's apartment, the museum features two additional exhibition floors. André Garitte has curated an extensive collection of private photographs, personal mementos, and a wealth of documentation related to Magritte's life and career. Visitors can peruse letters to gallery owners, surrealist brochures, and newspaper articles, providing a comprehensive overview of Magritte's professional journey.
The museum also showcases 30 drawings, gouaches, and paintings from Garitte's collection, including notable works such as La lampe d'Aladin and Lola de Valence. One of the museum's prized pieces, L’Olympia, was unfortunately stolen by armed robbers in 2009.
Another room is dedicated to Magritte's collaborations with fellow Belgian surrealists, who often gathered at the Rue Esseghem apartment for weekly meetings. This space features works and documents related to figures such as E. L. T. Mesens, Marcel Mariën, Paul Delvaux, and Rachel Baes. Of the 19 rooms in the house, 17 are open to the public, offering an immersive experience into the world of René Magritte.
The Museum René Magritte Musée also hosts special exhibitions, showcasing various artists and themes. Recent exhibitions include:
In conclusion, the Museum René Magritte Musée in Jette is more than just a museum; it is a journey into the mind of one of surrealism's most enigmatic figures. The carefully preserved apartment, coupled with the extensive collection of personal artifacts and artworks, offers an unparalleled glimpse into René Magritte's life and creative process. Whether you're a seasoned art aficionado or a curious traveler, a visit to this museum promises to be an enlightening and inspiring experience.
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