The Cogels Osylei is one of the most remarkable and beautiful streets in Antwerp. The street was developed in the late 19th Century when an eastern extension was built for Berchem and Antwerp. The street counts almost 100 houses, a highly eclectic architectural ensemble. Houses with art nouveau elements stand next to houses with revival design elements such as neo-roman, neo-greek, or neo-gothic.
From right to left: Cogels Osylei 44 (Iris) =, 46 (De Roos), and 48: three houses with different design contributing to the variety in the Cogels Osylei
The houses, built between 1894 and 1908, were designed by various architects, contracted by either the construction company or the person who had himself a house built. Architects active in the area at that time include Joseph Bascourt, Jules Hofman, T. Van den Bossche, Jacques de Weerdt, and Frans Smet-Verhas
Cogels Osylei 45-47-49-51: ensemble of houses designed as a castle in Flemish-Renaissance style by Architect Frank Van Dijk
All houses are listed monuments and the street is a protected urban landscape. Only two houses have been demolished and replaced by three newer properties.
Cogels Osylei 33 and 35. View from Van Merlenstraat on Cogels Osylei
View through the Cogels Osylei, overlooking a selection of houses on the east side of the street
From right to left: Cogels Osylei nr 50 De Zonnebloem (Sunflower), nr 52 (De Tulp), and nr 54 (Klaverblad). The first two with art nouveau elements, and Klaverblad as example of neo Flemish-Renaissance.
The well known house De Zonnebloem (The Sunflower) was constructed in 1900. Designed by Architect Jules Hofman, who also designed De Roos, attached some floral art nouveau style elements. Nr 52, De Tulp (The Tulip) was built as atelier by artist Eugene Joors. Archtect Jules Hofman combined floral art nouveau elements with cottage style elements in the design. The theme and name of the house refers to the preference Joors had for floral paintings. Nr 54, Het Klaverblad (Cloverleaf) was designed by Architect Daniel Rosseels in a pronounced neo Flemish-Renaissance style.
Three houses designed by Architect Jos Bascourt in neo-Flemish Renaissance style
Three mansions integrated in House Apolloon, designed by Architect Ernest Stordiau in neo-Roman style.
Cogels Osylei in winter. From right to left nrs 42, 44, 46 and 48
Block of houses in Cogels Osylei, from left to right: nr 84, nr 82, nr 80, the remarkable Quinten Matsys, and nr 78
Carolus Magnus, a group of 4 houses designed by architects J. Bilmeyer and J. Van Riel