Art Nouveau in Brussels

At the end of the 19th century, Victor Horta broke with the dominant, traditional architectural styles in Brussels, giving birth to the iconic Art Nouveau genre. Along its streets are numerous houses and mansions which illustrate this groundbreaking architectural style.

Horta, Hankar, Van de Velde and other great names in Brussels architecture drew their inspiration from the organic forms of nature, sometimes with a touch of Japanese inspiration. The capital’s appearance was transformed and its facades were brought to life in magnificent fashion.

Here is a Top 10 of Brussels’ Art Nouveau sites

1. Solvay House
Solvay House is regarded as one of Victor Horta’s finest works, which unsurprisingly lead it to be added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2003. It was commissioned by industrialist Ernest Solvay, who gave Horta an ill-timed budget to complete the masterpiece. Standing on the chic avenue Louise, it is a perfect example of how the well-to-do families of 19th century bourgeoisie lived.

2. The Hannon House
Closed to the public for several years, this little Art Nouveau gem will reopen its doors in 2023. Built by Jules Brunfaut for Edouard Hannon, an aesthete and collector, Hannon House has exceptional architecture, furniture and decoration. On the first floor, the building will also present a temporary exhibition lasting several months on Belgian Art Nouveau (Hankar, Serrurier-Bovy and van de Velde).

3. Cauchie House
Built in 1905, the Cauchie House, that dates back to 1905, was named after its original owner Paul Cauchie. Aside from its superb round window, the building’s facade is magnified by the presence of several large sgraffiti, which make the building stand out and are evidence of Cauchie’s decorative talent.

4. Autrique House
Autrique House, designed by Victor Horta in 1893, is the first large town house that the great architect built, almost at the same time as he designed the Hôtel Tassel. Here too the structural and decorative innovations are characteristic of Art Nouveau.

5. The Horta Museum
The Horta Museum is housed in two connected buildings: The architect’s house and his workshop. They are the perfect examples of the peak of Art Nouveau. Both buildings were bought by the commune of Saint-Gilles in the 60s and turned into a museum which opened in 1969.

6. The Max Hallet House
Buit in 1903 by Victor Horta, The Max Hallet House, on the prestigious avenue Louise, is characterised by its sober facade. This simplicity isn’t just down to the logical evolution of Art Nouveau architecture around 1900, it’s also because of the building’s original purpose, which was to be both the home and office of lawyer Max Hallet.

7. The Belgian Comic Strip Center
The Belgian Comic Strip Center, a former textiles warehouse, was designed by Victor Horta for textile merchant Charles Waucquez. Bought by the government in the 80s to save it from being demolished, it now houses a centre dedicated to the art of Belgian comic strips.

8. Tassel House
Tassel House was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2000. With its audacious bow-window and remarkable light wells, this building left a lasting mark on the history of architecture.

9. Foundation Frison Horta
Frison House is a beautiful building located on rue Lebeau, in the centre of Brussels. It was commissioned in 1894 by renowned lawyer Georges Frison, who lived and worked there. Murals and other playful nods to nature are present on every floor. Now it is the home and workspace of the Frison Horta Foundation. This arts centre is devoted to promoting exchanges between Indian and European cultural traditions, with an eye on the crafts of yesteryear. This living museum is a unique time capsule of 19th-century Gesamtkunstwerk, a jewel designed by none other than the grand master, Victor Horta himself.

10. Van Eetvelde House
According to Victor Horta himself, van Eetvelde House, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2000, was the most daring of his entire oeuvre. The man who commissioned it, politician Edmond van Eetvelde was someone who believed in modernity and architectural innovation. He gave Horta free reign to let his artistic inspiration run wild when he commissioned him to design a home for his family.

Destination : Belgium