Brussels is known as The Capital of Art Nouveau, an artistic movement characterized by its unique style that is inspired by nature. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the city became a hub for architects who embraced the organic, flowing forms, intricate detailing, and innovative use of materials such as iron and glass that defined Art Nouveau. If you're into design and architecture, these fascinating places are essential to vist!
1.
Horta Museum
Victor Horta, a Belgian architect, revolutionized Art Nouveau with flowing lines, iron, and glass. The Horta Museum, located in his former house and studio at Rue Américaine, offers an immersive exploration of his life, innovative designs, and Art Nouveau aesthetics. The museum is open to the public on a regular basis.
2.
Hotel Solvay
Hotel Solvay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of Victor Horta’s most innovative works. Commissioned in 1894 by chemistry magnate Armand Solvay, the building features a unique design focused on maximizing natural light. The carefully considered color scheme, innovative glasswork, and layout enhance the feeling of openness and luminosity, making it a true masterpiece of architectural design and an example of Horta’s genius.
3.
Maison Autrique
Maison Autrique is one of the earliest works of Victor Horta. The house was commissioned by the Belgian family. Completed in 1893, it marks a significant transition in architectural style, as Horta begins to experiment with the principles of Art Nouveau. The design emphasizes on combination of functionality and artistic elegance.
4.
Maison Hannon
Built in 1902 by architect Jules Brunfaut, the house was commissioned by Marie and Édouard Hannon, a couple whose interests and tastes heavily influenced its design. The house blends Marie’s passion for botany with Édouard’s love for poetry, Greek antiquity, and technology, creating a unique fusion of artistic and intellectual elements. After several restoration, the house is open for public as house museum. The interior, furnished by Émile Gallé, features works by James Ensor, Victor Rousseau, Emile Claus, and Paul Baudouin.
5.
Cauchie House
Paul Cauchie and his wife, Lina Voet, were an artistic couple who studied at the Brussels Royal Academy of Fine Arts. They married in 1905, the same year they decided to build their remarkable house. Their shared passion for art is reflected in the design of Cauchie House, with its striking sgraffito decoration and iconic extravagant window.
