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Brussels is the capital of Art Nouveau and magnificent structures throughout the capital city are recognized as "world heritage" by UNESCO. The brilliant creative works of Victor Horta, Paul Hankar, as well as those of other architects, bring pleasure to thousands of visitors who enter the private world of these opulent houses every year.
At the turn of the 19th century Brussels went through a period of unrivaled effervescence. The middle classes, merchants and artists opted to have their houses built in the style in vogue: Art Nouveau, marking the beginning of modern architecture and design.
The Austrian architect Josef Hoffman and painter Gustav Klimt, the French architect Hector Guimard all joined the Belgian architects Victor Horta en Paul Hankar, Henry van de Velde, the furniture designer Serrurier-Bovy and the jeweler Philippe Wolfers to get their inspiration or produce themselves for the first time in a more liberal city.
It should be noted that most of the Art Nouveau buildings listed below can be used as venues for meetings and special events.
Ask for your Art Nouveau walking map of Brussels!
| Museums, Monuments & Events |
Horta Museum
Built between 1898 and 1901, the former home of Art Nouveau’s best-known architect, Victor Horta, is now the Horta Museum - a showcase of stained glass and subway tile, pale wood and wrought iron whose every corner seems magically bathed in golden sunlight. Open: Daily from 2:00-5:30, closed on Mondays. |
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Hannon House
This magnificent manor house built by Jules Brunfaut in 1903, houses the Contretype center which is dedicated to photography exhibitions. The extraordinary harmony of marble, mosaics, stained glass and wood paneling of can still be admired today. Open: Wed, Thu & Fri from 11:00-6:00. Weekends from 1:00-6:00. In Jul & Aug: Wed-Sat, 1:00-6:00. Closed on Mon, Tue, official holidays and in January. |
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Cauchie House
The Maison Cauchie is considered as one of the most beautiful masterworks of Art Nouveau in Brussels. Situated in front of the Parc du Cinquantenaire, it was built for personal use in 1905 by architect, painter and decorator Paul Cauchie. It bears many exceptional decorative elements, including the famous Art Nouveau wall paintings. Open: First weekend of the month 11:00-1:00 and 2:00-6:00. |
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Autrique House
The first important building by Victor Horta, the Autrique House, is a major element in the architectural heritage of Brussels. This house, dating from 1893, represents an essential stage in the development of Belgium’s greatest architect. Open: Wed-Sun from 12:00-6:00. |
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Solvay Library
Located near Leopold Park, this Art Nouveau jewel of is a landmark building from 1902. Wonderful for conferences, concerts, cocktails, gala nights, exhibitions, and group visits upon appointment. |
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Bozar - Palais des Beaux Arts
Designed by Art Nouveau pioneer Victor Horta, the Center for Fine Arts in Brussels houses concert halls and exhibition areas embracing the artistic fields of music, theater, cinema and art.
Exhibitions are open from Tue-Sun 10:00-6:00, and until 8:00 on Thu. Ticket office is open from Mon-Sat, 11:00-7:00.
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Square Ambiorix
Located in the EU district, this neighborhood was built during the glory days of Art Nouveau. The finest names in Art Nouveau have left their mark here, including the master of the genre, Victor Horta. You can view this neighborhood via of the tour-ride on the hop on/off busses which meet in the area around the Grand Place. |
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Belgian Center for Comic Strip Art
Located in an art nouveau masterpiece designed by Victor Horta, this unique museum depicts the stages of putting together a comic strip as well as wonderful displays of cartoon art form artists around the world and of course Belgium's most famous cartoonists. Open: Tue-Sun 10:00-6:00. |
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Museum of Musical Instruments (MIM)
The Museum of Musical Instruments is a strikingly beautiful building in Brussels combining the architectural styles of Neo-Classic and Art Nouveau. Housed in the museum is a collection of more than 7000 instruments of varying kinds and origins. On the top floor, the indoor & outdoor cafe provides visitors with a magnificent 360° view of Brussels. Open: Tue-Fri from 9:30-5:00 and weekends 10:00-5:00.
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Biennial Art Nouveau Voir et Dire Brussels
An original way to discover Brussels in October 2007. Tourist routes by car, on foot or by bike to explore a city with Art Nouveau architecture. You can visit interiors of the villas, private houses, schools, and shops, which are open and accessible with a pass. |
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Art Nouveau Collection - Royal Museums of Art & History
This collection of Art Nouveau and Art Deco is currently limited to only one room, the Wolfers Store, with sculptures, glass making, ceramics and silverware from 1890 to 1940. Located at the Parc du Cinquantenaire in Brussels. Guided tours are available upon request. Open Tue-Fri 9:30 am - 5:00 pm and weekends from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. |
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| Biennial Art Nouveau Voir et Dire Brussels |
The 4th Brussels Art Nouveau Biennial Event will take place over the 4 weekends of October 2007. Its theme will be the myriad of European influences that met in Brussels to create “Art Nouveau”. The innovative, artistic and creative aspects of the work of the great Art Nouveau architects will be presented through guided visits of exceptional Art Nouveau buildings and interiors, as well as through other happenings. Visitors can obtain a passport for 1 weekend of for all 4 weekends. Also single entrance tickets are available per location. In addition, a comprehensive program of guided walks, bike and bus tours will introduce visitors to the city of Brussels: capital of Europe and of Art Nouveau. The event is a collaboration of 6 cultural tourism associations who have organized this popular program of events & guided tours. This year’s theme is appropriately ‘the European creativity & brilliance of Brussels Art Nouveau.’
www.voiretdirebruxelles.be |
| Restaurants & Brasseries |
La Porteuse D’Eau
This café with dinner and show is a must for its authentic Art Nouveau decor. |
Falstaff
The Falstaff is a listed building, located in front of the 'Bourse' (Stock Exchange). |
De Ultieme Hallucinatie
In a house featuring Art Nouveau decor, the garden has been transformed into a cafe. |
Le Cirio
All the charm of the Brussels Belle Époque.
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L'Ancienne Poissonnerie
Italian cuisine in a restaurant with original Art Nouveau decor. |
Restaurant Vincent
In an environment very typical of Brussels, you will take seat in charming small boat.
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Osteria Delle Stelle
Italian cuisine located in Brussels. |
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