La Fleur en Papier Dore, Brussels

La Fleur en Papier Doré, translated as "The Golden Paper Flower"—is one of Brussels’ most storied cafés and a long-standing meeting place for artists and writers. The modest house dates back to the 17th century and was later remodeled in 1830 by architect H. L. F. Partoes. In 1944, artist and poet Geert Van Bruaene opened the café here, transforming it into a lively gathering spot for the leading figures of Belgian surrealism.

Regular visitors included René Magritte, Louis Scutenaire, Marcel Mariën, Marcel Lecomte, and Irène Hamoir, while later the café also attracted members of the CoBrA movement such as Christian Dotremont and Pierre Alechinsky. Writers connected with the magazine Tijd en Mens, including Hugo Claus and Louis-Paul Boon, also frequented the venue, making it an important cultural hub in postwar Brussels.

Inside, the atmosphere remains largely unchanged. Mismatched tables stand on black-and-white tiled floors, while the walls are filled with drawings, collages, aphorisms, and objects left by generations of artists. A portrait of Tintin’s creator Hergé hangs above the bar, and sketches believed to be early works by Magritte can be seen near the entrance—though Van Bruaene was known to mix genuine pieces with playful imitations.

Listed as a protected monument in 1997, the café was restored and reopened in 2007 and again in 2023. Today it functions as a traditional Brussels estaminet, serving local beers and simple snacks, while continuing to host lectures, poetry readings, concerts, and literary events that keep its artistic spirit alive.