(Re)discover the City – Maison Settegast

Our capital, you think you know it well? Think again! Some buildings you pass by regularly hide a unique story. Dr. Robert L. Philippart is a true expert in this field and will guide you through the city to discover these hidden tales that will make you see some emblematic buildings in a new light.

The household equipment store Settegast & Cie Successeurs was founded in 1842 and was located on the corner of Rue du Curé and Rue du Fossé. The new building, constructed in 1966 according to the plans of architect Paul Retter, still bears the name “Centre Settegast” today.

The business was founded by haulier Joseph Settegast, originally from Koblenz, and his wife Cécile van der Noot. In the beginning, the couple sold grains and foodstuffs. Over the years, the store became a go-to address for wedding gift lists, dowries for young girls, and preparations for entering boarding schools, convents, or seminaries. Customers could purchase mattresses, bed springs, bed linens, duvets and eiderdowns, blankets, as well as a wide selection of household textiles: tablecloths, curtains and blinds, carpets, altar linens, upholstered armchairs, sofas, and chairs.

The store had its own workshop with a master upholsterer and trimmer. To staff it, the business recruited professionals who had previously worked in Paris and Brussels. The store was equipped with specialized machines for re-stuffing eiderdowns that customers would bring back each season. Settegast also offered carpet and linoleum installation services.

In 1922, the Settegast store was appointed purveyor to the Court. It was then taken over by Joseph Settegast’s daughter Hélène, wife of Henri-Alphonse Heldenstein. The store also specialized in theatre curtains, likely due to the fact that Henri Heldenstein was the son of François Ignace David Heldenstein (1820–1907), a pharmacist and renowned artist who created the sets for the city theatre. In 1921, their sons Max and Guillaume Heldenstein took over the business. Max Heldenstein passed away at the young age of 39 in 1933. He was one of the prominent founders of the Luxembourg National Scouts Federation. François Heldenstein (1892–1975) later joined the company’s management. He became one of Luxembourg’s most renowned artists — a painter and sculptor who promoted the Cercle Artistique from an early age. He studied fine arts in Munich and Paris. In 1924, he received a silver medal for his sculpture Vers l’Olympiade, which is now displayed in the lobby of the d’Coque national sports and cultural centre.

Guillaume (1896–1990) also earned fame by representing Luxembourg as a bobsledder at the 1928 Winter Olympic Games in St. Moritz.

Like many stores in the capital, Settegast ran seasonal and event-related promotional campaigns — an opportunity for customers to buy new carpets, children’s coats, or towels. In the 1950s, the store contributed to numerous fashion shows by providing the carpets for the runway.

Settegast, Heldenstein & Cie Successeurs permanently closed its doors in April 1966.

The original Settegast building dated back to the 16th century and featured extensive cellars. The medieval city wall ran along the rear part of the property. The building belonged to the noble family from Mamer, which explains why that section of Rue du Curé was known as Mamergasse until 1925.

Research and text t: 

Robert L. Philippart

Photo credits:

Guide officiel du GDL foire commerciale 1922 Settegast

Maison Settegast © Photothèque de la Ville de Luxembourg Bohnert Jos 1966 089

Emplacement de l’ancienne maison Settegast © Rolph