Discover art nouveau in Brussels

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Indulge yourself in the Belgian art and architecture and discover Brussels Art Nouveau heritage. In the late 19th century, the Art Nouveau culture was the answer to the academic art produced throughout the previous decades.

Art Nouveau, or Modern Art or Jugendstil, was more than an art form, it was an international philosophy, an architectural movement and was applied in decorative arts. Names like Horta, Toulouse-Lautrec, Gaudi and Antoine Pompe surely ring a bell to the most of you. The movement was inspired by natural forms and structures, not only in flowers and plants, but also in curved lines. Art Nouveau in fact was a way of life; followed by many well-off European aristocrats who lived in Art Nouveau inspired houses with Art Nouveau furniture, silverware, ceramics and even jewellery and cigarette cases.

Today, Brussels is the capital of Art Nouveau in the world. Several magnificent structures throughout the Belgians capital city are recognized as world heritage by UNESCO. The brilliant creative works of Victor Horta, Paul Hankar and Antoine Pompe, as well as those of other architects, bring pleasure to thousands of visitors who enter the private world of these opulent houses every year.

We’ve selected some of Brussels Art Nouveau buildings, which can be visited or rented as a unique location for your special events or meetings:

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. Find out more about upcoming Events at Horta.

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.

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.

Square Ambiorix

Located in the EU district, this neighbourhood 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 neighbourhood via of the tour-ride on the hop on/off busses which meet in the area around the Grand Place.

Crowne Plaza Brussels – Le Palace

Adhémar Lener and his assistant Antoine Pompe made the winning design for the Palace hotel in Sint-Joost-ten-Node. The hotel was the first hotel to be built completely out of concrete and was inspired by the Art Nouveau movement. Constructed in 1908, this historic landmark was completely renovated in 2008. The architect in charge of the renovation was inspired by another great Art Nouveau artist : Gustave Klimt. Famous visitors throughout the years are the gorgeous Brigitte Bardot, ‘la bella’ Gina Lollobrigida and the world famous actress and princess Grace Kelly.

For more information on things to do and places to stay in Brussels, visit our destination guide.

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