(Re)discovering the City: Maison Brasseur

Think you know our capital well? Think again! Some buildings you pass by regularly hold unique stories. Dr. Robert L. Philippart, an expert in the field, will guide you through the city to uncover these hidden tales, offering a fresh perspective on some of our iconic buildings.

The fashion house "Brasseur, " whose name lives on through the "Centre Brasseur" passage at No. 36 Grand’Rue, was among Luxembourg's most prestigious stores. The brand operated from 1863 to 1977.

In 1863, Albert Wurth & Hanff opened their drapery and novelty store at Place Guillaume II, offering vests, ties, woolens, dress novelties, silks, shawls, health flannels, linens, tablecloths, and table rugs. That same year, the sewing machine was introduced to Luxembourg households. The products sold, emphasizing both quality and price, illustrate how, during the fortress era, clothing was still primarily made at home.

In 1910, Paul Brasseur took over the business, passing it to his sons Albert, André, and Pierre, who established themselves on Grand’Rue. Paul Brasseur served as president of the City’s Commercial Union from 1928 to 1930 and remained on its Board until 1948. Albert Brasseur also joined the Board. The brand adopted the name "Brasseur" in 1934 and was appointed as a supplier to the Court in 1939.

The Brasseur family resided on the first floor of the two merged 18th-century buildings. The store was renowned not only for its product quality but also for its excellent staff management, with several employees remaining loyal for over 25 years. Notably, Paul Reuland, one of Luxembourg's first trade unionists, was a member of the Union of Commercial Employees and advocated for Sunday rest in 1913 and the creation of a pension fund for private employees.

In 1934, Maison Brasseur renovated its ground floor with illuminated display windows that naturally invited customers inside. These spacious windows hosted a significant international photo exhibition organized by the Photographic Union, supported by the Government, the City’s Commercial Union, the Touring Club, the Automobile Club, and the Hotel Association.

From 1910 onwards, ready-to-wear fashion became widespread in Luxembourg, leading to seasonal promotions and events like the Octave or the Schueberfouer, which annually attracted crowds from the countryside. Starting in the 1950s, the store actively organized fashion shows. The product range included a women's section offering coats, dresses, blouses, pullovers, and fabrics for self-made clothing (crêpe de Chine, crêpe Georgette, silks). The men's section featured suits, coats, raincoats, spring jackets, shirts, and ties. The store prided itself on offering tailoring and alteration services. Many children received their First Communion outfits—their very first suits—there.

In 1974, the store began liquidation, leading to the company's dissolution in 1977. The Union of Swiss Banks S.A. acquired the property and commissioned architect Laurent Schmit for a new construction. To make the upper city more appealing to customers in the absence of a pedestrian zone, the architect created a passage connecting Grand’Rue to Rue des Capucins.

This covered pedestrian shopping arcade was intended to host boutiques selling gifts, furniture, accessories, jewelry, a record store, and clothing shops, diversifying the city's commercial offerings. The two buildings from 1739 and 1760 that housed Maison Brasseur were not preserved, despite petitions from citizens committed to heritage conservation.

Research and text:
Robert L. Philippart

Photo credits:
Défilé de mode, mannequins, Maison Brasseur Revue – 02.06.1951
Maison brasseur vitrines © photothèque de la Ville de Luxembourg
Les deux immeubles ayant hébergés la Maison Brasseur © J.P. Koltz
Emplacement de l’ancienne maison Brasseur, Grand’Rue © Rolph