When it comes to art nouveau, Brussels and Victor Horta are preeminent. Art nouveau in Brussels illuminated architecture ahead of the coming 20th century.
Barcelona may have Gaudí and France may claim the École de Nancy, but when it comes to art nouveau in Brussels, Belgium boasts the founder of the art nouveau architecture movement. Beginning in the 1890s, architect Victor Horta and his contemporaries produced a powerful body of work in Brussels that changed the prevailing 19th century esthetic to one of grace, light, and innovation.
Architectural art nouveau in Brussels was a dramatic departure from traditional Flemish gable-centric design. The photo below from S Marks The Spots, is a perfect example of how the new style illuminated the city.
Maison Cauchie, Brussels, 1905, Architect Paul Cauchie. Photo Credit: smarksthespots.com
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For exemplary art nouveau, Brussels boasts neighborhoods like Bailli, Ixelles, Uccle, and Saint-Gilles, where examples still exist aplenty. At the time, these communities were popular with the bourgeoisie, who could afford the new style and patronize its purveyors. More than a century later, Brussels art nouveau residences and public buildings still showcase the efforts of those who sought to make beauty accessible to all.
What Inspired Art Nouveau in Brussels and Elsewhere?
Art Nouveau, according to Michèle Lavallée, writing for the Grove Dictionary of Art, paved the transition between the historic revivalism (Greek, Gothic, etc.) of the 19th century to 20th century Modernism.
While it’s difficult to pinpoint what inspired art nouveau in Brussels and elsewhere, in the 1880s Horta began working on commercial projects, such as the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken, to add practical and curved embellishments.
By the the time Horta returned to residential design in 1893, a writer for inPan magazine concurrently described a wall hanging done by Hermann Obrist as “sudden violent curves generated by the crack of a whip.” Since then, “whiplash” has been the term used to describe the flowing turns and undulations that characterize the style.
Cyclamen wall hanging by Hermann Obrist inspired the “whiplash” terminology of art nouveau. Photo Credit: bernardperroud.com
During a visit to Barcelona, our eyes became accustomed to art nouveau elements. We were completely unaware of the detailed history of the movement, much less the role of Brussels architects in founding it, until we arrived in Belgium.
Our first up-close and personal glimpse of art nouveau in Brussels occurred at a restaurant in the Ixelles neighborhood, Brasserie La Quincallerie. Seated on the catwalk level, we felt like we were in a steampunk stage set.
Brasserie La Quincallerie. Photo Credit: La Quincallerie
Who was Victor Horta and What Was His Relationship to Art Nouveau in Brussels?
We read from La Quincallerie’s menu that this was a former hardware store, designed by a student of Victor Horta. Who was Victor Horta, and what was his role in the milieu art nouveau architecture Brussels took on so quickly in the 1890s, we wondered? From then, the chase was on.
Victor Horta was a classically trained architect who came to prominence in Brussels after studying design in Ghent, and then working in Paris. When his father’s death prompted a return to Belgium in 1880, he began studies at the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts, and was chosen by his professor there to collaborate on the Royal Greenhouse commission.
Within 5 years, Horta had received several national design prizes and went out on his own with three residential commissions. By the early 1890s, he held positions as Head of Graphic Design and Professor of Architecture at Université Libre de Bruxelles.
Horta and his colleagues, we learned, strengthened interior structural elements in their buildings using metal, allowing for open, light-filled interiors. Their stylized motifs were drawn from nature – the floral or animal pattern, the feminine silhouette, and the traditional arabesque.
Between 1892 and the first World War, the art nouveau Brussels had originated matured from the flamboyant to the classical, becoming a standard. In acknowledgement, Horta was granted the title of Baron by King Albert I of Belgium in 1932.
Detail of Maison Eigenwoning designed by Albert Roosenboom, Rue Faider 83. The letterbox is the opening on the column.
Tip: If you’re in Munich, you’ll want to seek out the German interpretation of art nouveau, Jugendstil. See our write-up: Schwabing: Where the 20th Century Took Hold in Europe.
A dozen ways to immerse yourself in the wealth of art nouveau architecture Brussels has to offer today are as follows:
1. Get to know Victor Horta, the father of art nouveau in Brussels, and perhaps the world, in depth at the Horta Museum.
Horta Museum – located in Victor Horta’s private home and atelier. The two buildings were constructed between 1898 and 1901, with additions in 1906 and 1908. Today, they house the foremost and most personally authentic art nouveau museum Brussels has to offer.
The Horta Residence, now the Horta Museum
The residence’s interior spaces flank a central staircase which is lit by a glass skylight, allowing light to circulate throughout. The house, although it was built in 1898, is amazingly relevant to the needs of a contemporary lifestyle. In its decorative elements, what inspired art nouveau in Brussels and its derivative movements in Europe and the Americas is readily apparent.
Horta’s gracious gilding, light tile details, and open living concept must have seemed revolutionary to post-Victorians. Since no photography is allowed in the interior, we found an outstanding video which will take you through and introduce you to Horta’s other works:
Victor Horta – Architect and Designer Video:
The Horta Museum is located at Rue Américaine, 23-25, 1060 Brussels (Saint-Gilles). Trams: 81, 91, 92, 97 (place Janson). Bus: 54. Guided tours and private visits available. Reminder: no interior photography allowed. Click here for TripAdvisor reviews and more information.
2. Amble around the Ixelles/Louise neighborhoods on a Brussels Art Nouveau Walking Tour.
Pick up a brochure at the Horta Museum to see 10 additional buildings on the most condensed art nouveau walking tour Brussels offers. Your Brussels art nouveau walking tour map contains a variety of residences and low rise commercial buildings designed by Horta or his associates, Paul Hankar, Albert Roosenboom, Octave van Rysselberghe and Jules Bruneaut.
Horta’s Brussels townhouses are now designated in a UNESCO World Heritage listing for “brilliantly illustrating the transition from the 19th to the 20th century in art, thought, and society.”
Worthy of note on this Brussels art nouveau route are two additional of the three Horta townhouses (his former home housing the museum being the first) designated on the UNESCO list:
a. Hôtel Tassel, Rue Janson-straat 6, 1000 Brussels. According to UNESCO, the founding work of Art Nouveau in Brussels, commissioned by Professor Emile Tassel, designed and built in 1893-4. Horta designed furniture for this house for several years thereafter. From the Wikipedia description: “Two rather conventional buildings in brick and natural stone – on on the side of the street and one on the side of the garden – were linked by a steel structure covered with glass” which functions as a connector and light source.
Hôtel Tassel Stairway. Photo Credit: y Henry Townsend (Own work (own photo)) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
“At the time it was built, the Tassel house was roundly condemned by conservative, Catholic forces in Belgian society, the then Archbishop of Brussels denouncing its curved bay windows as ‘sensuous’ provocations liable to induce thoughts of a pregnant woman’s abdomen.” Brussels: revisiting the magic of Victor Horta, Adrian Bridge, Telegraph, 3 Oct 2011
Hôtel Tassel’s curved bay window. Does this look like a pregnant woman’s belly to you?
b. Hôtel Solvay, Avenue Louise-Louizalaan 224, 1050 Brussels. Commissioned by Armand Solvay, heir to the chemical company that developed sodium bicarbonate, who granted Horta creative and financial carte blanche. Built from 1895-98, furniture completed in 1903. In 1980, it underwent a massive restoration including glass roofs on the main staircase, facade and interior decoration. Interior is intact with original art and functioning utilities. Still privately owned, but open to the public several times per year.
A 1984 New York Times article noted several innovations in Hôtel Solvay which were firsts in Brussels: first house to be lighted entirely by electricity, first to use glass partitions and skylights to flood the central stairwell, fresh air system via duct network, rotating bathroom sinks empty instantaneously, rooms are laid out to conceal the movements of servants, interior walls move, open and close for public and private use.
Hôtel Solvay
Stairway in the Hôtel Solvay. Photo Credit: arkiplus.com
Tip: The most over the top art nouveau residence in Brussels, Maison Saint Cyr, is located on the north side of Square Ambiorix in the Quartier des Squares neighborhood. Designed and built by Gustave Strauven, a 23-year-old protege of Victor Horta. Click here for more information.
3. Take a guided tour of art nouveau in Brussels with a local expert.
For those interested in taking a guided art nouveau tour Brussels is replete with organizations and independent, knowledgeable experts who can add dimension and interesting information.
ARAU Guided Tours L’ARAU (Atelier de Recherché et d/Actions urbaines) offer guided coach and walking tours in French and English on a rotating weekend schedule with lots of variety on the Brussels art nouveau route. Topics: Art deco, modernism and art nouveau in Brussels districts, Horta, commerce and trade, Brussels cuisine. Pre-booking is required. Private group tours can be arranged for any day in six languages.
ARAU guides have a background in urban planning, architecture or art history, with thorough knowledge of Brussels. L’ARAU is a non profit whose objective is “to promote Brussels as a place where people want to live by examining urban development projects and attempting improvements through housing and mixed-function initiatives, adding public space and integrating social classes.” Click here for reviews and more information.
Brussels 3-Hour Art Nouveau Tour – Beginning in Grand Place, this condensed art nouveau Brussels walking tour takes you to eleven of the more prominent art nouveau sites in the city, beginning with the Old England department store building (now the Musical Instrument Museum, see below) and ending at the Victor Horta Museum. Travel by tram to the Bailli village district, which has the largest number of art nouveau buildings in the city and see residence and commercial buildings designed by a variety of architects. Click here for reviews and more information.
Massive door of Maison Sander Pierron, designed by Victor Horta, Rue de l’Aquaduc 157
4. Get Inside Art Nouveau Architecture in Brussels with Special Tour Dates.
If there’s one complaint we might have about the accessibility of art nouveau architecture in Brussels, it’s that you can’t get inside! Many of the buildings are privately owned, or they’re businesses which would find visitors disruptive. As such, you are mostly limited to gazing and photographing their exteriors.
However, Visit Brussels sponsors the BANAD (Brussels Art Nouveau and Art Deco) Festival with extended dates for touring of prominent residences whose interiors are not usually open to the public: Hôtel van Eetvelde Herenhuis, Hôtel Solvay, Hôtel Max Hallet, and Maison Autrique Huis. Click here for more information and specific dates for this more comprehensive guided tour of art nouveau in Brussels.
Decorative canopy at the City of Brussels offices, Hôtel de Ville de Bruxelles
5. People watch over a coffee from the sidewalk Cafe Métropole.
Take a table at the Cafe Metropole
The flip side of the accessibility coin is that much of the art nouveau architecture Brussels has is available to the public because the buildings are in use in the hospitality sector.
The most prominent example of this is probably Café Métropole, a popular spot for people-watching. This is a high end brasserie founded in 1890 as part of the art nouveau hotel Brussels is famous for by the same name. The lavish interior and exterior are all original and the terrace boasts heated seating good for any weather. Place de Brouckère, 31, 1000 Brussels. Tel. (+32) 2 214 26 27. Click here for reviews and more information.
6. Celebrate happy hour A La Mort Subite.
A la Mort Subite
What inspired art nouveau in Brussels to become part of everyday life for the working man? The answer might be found at A La Mort Subite. Formerly an establishment by the name of La Cour Royale, this restaurant was popular with bank employees playing a dice game called “421.” The loser of the last game played before returning to the office was dubbed “Mort Subite” (sudden death). In 1928, the pub was renamed “At the Mort Subite.”
On draft: Cherry, Faro, Peach, Raspberry, Lambic White, Maes Pils, Special Palm, Abbey Dark and Blond beers, Trappist Blond and Dark. Foreign varieties, aperitifs, wines, specialty waters and juices, tonics, teas and coffee. Rue Montagne-aux-Herbes Potagères 7, 1000 Brussels. Tel. (+32) (0)2 513 13 18. Click here for reviews and more information.
Happy Hour at A La Mort Subite with Belgian friend Géry de Pierpont, of IntoHistory
7, 8 and 9. Indulge in atmospheric cuisine de brasserie amid Brussels art nouveau.
Your Brussels art nouveau walking tour is most likely going to require sustenance, which is a great excuse to enjoy cuisine de brasserie – the continental version of pub or bar and grill fare – in an authentic and beautiful interior setting.
brussels art nouveau route
De Ultieme Hallucinatie – Located a bit off the traditional Brussels art nouveau route, this restaurant brasserie is located in an original neoclassical mansion built in 1850. Restructured and redecorated in 1904 by architect Paul Hamesse in a “contemporary geometrical art nouveau style.”
Other rooms influenced by Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh and French art nouveau. Jugendstil stained glass windows in the orangeries contribute to the eclectic mix of art nouveau variants. Rue Royale 315, 1210 Brussels. Tel. (+32) 2 217 06 14. Click here for reviews and more information.
Interior of De Ultieme Hallucinatie. Photo Credit: De Ultieme Hallucinatie
Brasserie La Quincaillerie is where the obsession started with us. Designed by a student of Victor Horta, this former ironmonger’s hardware store is known for its fresh seafood and oysters.
The restaurant maintains its own farm where lambs, pigs, and fowl are raised. Oysters are specially cultivated in two varieties in a collaboration with growers, and their House Beer is a private brew of finely hopped triple top-fermented beer.Rue de Page 45 , 1050 Brussels (Ixelles). Tel. (+32) 02 533 98 33. Click here for reviews and more information.
Brasserie La Quincallerie. Photo Credit: La Quincallerie
Le Cirio – Dating from 1886, a typical Belgian brasserie frequented by Jacques Brel. The half in half (half champagne and half white wine) is a specialty, and we can attest to its deliciousness, a well as its blessedly moderate prices! Menu items range from appetizer size, croques and baguette sandwiches, pasta and traditional Belgian entrees such as waterzooi (a kind of chicken stew, great comfort food).
Try the steak à l’americaine (inexplicable name, sort of like steak tartare, but comes on the plate looking like flattened raw hamburger. Hint: mix the accompanying condiments into it, and it’s pretty tasty.) Rue de la Bourse 18, 1000 Ville de Bruxelles. Tel. (+32) 025 12 13 95. Click here for reviews and more information.
10. Make Time on Your Brussels Art Nouveau Walking Tour to Shop for Personal Treasures.
Art nouveau Brussels style includes shopping at many of the vintage outlets scattered around the city. We liked the antique district in La Sablon, for example. But a true art nouveau shopping pilgrimage must include Senses Art Nouveau.
This famous art nouveau shopping destination offers originals and reproductions, jewelry, gifts and accessories, starting from under 25€ to well over 250€.Rue Lebeau 31, 1000 Ville de Bruxelles. Tel. (+32) 025 02 15 30. Click here for TripAdvisor reviews and more information.
Art nouveau facade of Hill’s Music Shop, Brussels
11. Experience the multi-dimensional aspects of art nouveau in Brussels.
If you’d like to while away an afternoon in an art nouveau museum, Brussels delivers you a couple of wonderful options.
Musee Fin-de-Siècle, opened in 2013, offers a multi-disciplinary, dynamic approach to the creative arts from 1868-1914 in partnership with the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, the Royal Library, the Royal Conservatory of Brussels and several foundations. Presents art nouveau architecture with integrated 3-D images of six houses. Rue de la Régence/Regentschapsstraat 3, 1000 Brussels. Tel. (+32) 025 08 32 11. Click here for reviews and more information.
Musical Instrument Museum, located in the former Old England Department Store building, designed and built in 1899 by Paul Saintenoy, a contemporary of Victor Horta, who was a professor of the history of architecture at the Academie Royale des Beaux-Arts for thirty years. The landmark building features iron structural elements designed to mimic stems and vines in support of wide expanses of glass contributing to its light-filled interior, and allowing customers to window-shop from the street. Click here for reviews and more information.
Facade of Maison Ciamberlani, designed by Paul Hankar, associate of Victor Horta, Rue Defacqz 71
12. Spend the night in an art nouveau hotel Brussels is famous for.
Photo Credit: Hotel Metropole
Hotel Métropole, Place de Brouckère 31, B-1000 Brussels. Tel. (+32) 2 217 23 00 Designed by French architect Alban Chambon with Empire influences, stained glass, mahogany, teak, marble and bronze notes. One of the first hotels with lifts, electricity and central heating in Europe. Requisitioned by the Germans during WWII, and later by the Allies. Award-winning restaurant L’Alban Chambon (2 red chef’s hat and 16/20 in GaultMillau culinary guide). Click here for reviews and more information.
Residential doorway window and grill treatment
Made in Louise Hotel – In the middle of the Ixelles and Sant Gilles neighborhoods, this 20th century townhome boasts 48 rooms and a fresh, light-filled interior that was renovated by a mother, brother and sister team in 2011. Rue Vedt, 40, Ixelles. Tel. +32 2 537 40 33. Click here for reviews and more information.
Maison Flagey – In the Ixelles ponds neighborhood next to the Forest de Soignes, this townhome B&B with five bedrooms is perfectly located to walk to Avenue Louise and a host of famous restaurants nearby. 39, Avenue General de Gaulle, 1050 Brussels. Tel. +32 496 24 28 23. Click here for reviews and more information.
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This is SO cool. I’d never even heard of Victor Horta, but I’m totally fascinated now. I would love to stay in that art nouveau hotel!
Hi Jessica – We were fascinated, too, and would have loved to spend a couple of days at the Hotel Metropole!
Love this! Last time I visited Brussels – years ago – I certainly had no idea about all the art nouveau around. I hope to visit the city soon again and will definitely save this post to guide me around. The biennial may actually be a good timing, thanks for the tip!
Hi Lydian – I think the biennial will be a marvelous opportunity to experience Brussels’ art nouveau heritage in far more depth. Hope you get to go!
Gosh! So much beauty and art to take in! Thanks for the bits of history. 🙂
Hi Anne – Thank you for commenting! 🙂
Hi Betsy! Thank you for introducing me to Victor Horta. I would love to visit his museum, and just wander around Brussels taking in all this gorgeous architecture. I laughed at the Archbishops provocative window comment. I’m not sure I’ve ever met a provocative window 🙂 I’ll be back again to watch the videos.
Hi Nancie – You’re so welcome! Yes, the Archbishop’s comments…who even thinks that way? LOL
Brussels is one of my fav European city I love the architectural / art nouveau design such a perfect place for photography stroll
Hi Anne – You’re so right. It was great fun hunting down some of these addresses. We began to be able to spot them right away.
Beautiful pictures, this was a subject I knew nothing about. More reasons to add brussels to my list!
Hi Dannielle – You would love Brussels. It really blew us away.
Such a beautiful city but the restaurant, Brasserie La Quincallerie, definitely caught my attention. What a great find.
Hi Toni – Yes, La Quincallerie was definitely the spark. The catwalk level might be a bit precarious for those who are wary of heights (it’s quite narrow), but once I got to my seat, it was amazing.
Oh wow this architecture is just beautiful. I really love art nouveau and I had no idea that there was so much in Brussels.
Hi Megsy – We didn’t realize it either. Such treasure!
I didn’t realise Brussells was such a gem when it comes to architecture. I really love this art nouveau style especially the beautiful staircases and balustrades.
Hi Jen – These elements are so romantic and appealing. They’re my favorites, too.
I love art nouveau architecture! A while back I wrote a piece on Hector Guimard in Paris. Loved his work and he designed a house in Brussels too, not far from the Porte de Paris. I’m now living in Budapest, another city known for its art nouveau architecture. The buildings here are incredible.
Hi Andrea – Budapest is my favorite city in Europe. I would love to return and scout out the art nouveau neighborhoods. I’m guessing they’d be somewhere close by Városliget?
I’ve been to Brussels before, but haven’t seen any of these. I think I need to go back;-)
Hi Yvonnelaura – We’d love to return to Brussels. I hope you do, too. 🙂
I had no idea there was so much Art Nouveau in Brussels. I haven’t been in years and last time I went was just a quick 9 hour pass thru – and I was 19 so probably just drank beer (oh the idiocy of youth!). I’ll have to go back and be on the lookout (though it sounds like it’s everywhere and hard to miss!)
Hi Kristen – Once you develop an eye, you’ll see art nouveau almost everywhere in Brussels, even within a block or two of Grand Place. Amazing city.
A really beautiful part of the world with some killer architecture. Great pics!
Hi William – Indeed it is. Thank you. 🙂
I loved this post, I’m a big fan of Art Nouveau and Victor Horta’s French contemporary, Hector Guimard who made those iconic subway entrances in Paris. Would love to return to Brussels as I’ve never visited this museum
Hi Suze – I’m sure you’d love it, and you’re so close you could make a nice weekend of it.
even people who knows little to none about art would definitely appreciate this in Brussels! You covered quite a lot here!
Hi Megsy – Thank you. 🙂
Belgian art nouveau was always my favorite in Europe. So subtle and light, and not too sweet. Thank you for this extremely informative read.
Hi zof – Yes, it definitely has a cutting edge aspect, probably because Brussels was the vanguard.
This is an interesting article, and you are right. When it comes to architecture, it is easier to overlook Brussels when there are cities like Barcelona and Paris. I was actually in Brussels a few months ago and really loved the architecture of the buildings. It was probably one of my favorite parts of Belgium as a whole. Now I learned even more about it. Thanks 🙂
Hi Natalie – Glad we could add to your experience. 🙂
This is stunning. I love how simple and beautiful some of those designs are. I’ve never been to Brussels but maybe I need to head over there. I love architecture and especially in cities that aren’t as hyped up. Thanks for sharing
Hi Kate – Brussels has a lot to offer. We thought it had a great Parisian-like vibe, but so much friendlier.
Hi Betsy,
Steampunk stage set indeed! — at Brasserie La Quincallerie.
And the Art Nouveau, well what can I say? I am so inspired by these photos and videos — and thank you because I am in the middle of writing an article this weekend that is near deadline and was feeling a bit stale — so I took a break to read your blog. I receive so much inspiration from experiencing great art in any form. It’s like I get permission to be creative myself. The incredible artistic expression in their “new” art is stunning — and very brave at the time.
So thank you my friend. Now I’ll go create a fantastic article!
Take care,
Josie
Hi Josie – You’re right, sometimes we just need to take a break and drink it in. That’s how we felt during our two stays in Brussels. The first week we absorbed so much, and then we left for England for a couple of weeks. Upon return, it felt like our impressions had the time to marinate and we were more than ready for the next course of ten days!
Brussels is so underrated as a destination, as is Belgium. We were told that they were “different”; for us we found different to be a very good thing. The Art Nouveau of Brussels and the influence of Horta have made this a visually amazing city, both inside and out as your photos show. We found Brussels to be a beautiful city both in appearance and with the people we met. Since we have visited there, we have often run across people from Brussels (who were actually really from Brussels) who are amazed, yet happy that we liked it there a lot.
Hi Paula – I totally agree. We had no idea what to expect in Brussels, and were pleasantly surprised at every turn. Everyone we met was just lovely and the approach to life is one that resonated with us: beautiful surroundings, excellent food and drink, interesting company. We could easily live there for an extended period.
I love the way your curiosity about the information you read on a restaurant menu led you on this art nouveau odyssey in Brussels. I learned so much from reading your blog and looking at the photos and videos. Well done!!
Hi Marilyn – Curiosity gets us into all sorts of things as travelers, doesn’t it? Thank you.
Brussels was one of the first places we visited when we started traveling. The beautiful buildings and architecture literally took my breath away! I love how you stumbled upon Victor Horta and just had to learn more! What a great way to explore a new place with enthusiasm. You certainly captured some amazing examples of art nouveau and give us an amazing path to follow on our own journey of exploration. LOVE Café Métropole!!
Hi Cheryl – We never expected to even visit Brussels, much less be so captivated by all it has. But, as you and Lisa well know, sometimes there are other plans in store for us. We love the luxury of being open to whatever presents itself. In this case, it was a big gift.
WOW. I thought Brussels was all about chocolate and at most beer. You brought out an aspect of it I never considered before and that made me look at the city in a new way.
Hi Claudia – We really had no idea what to expect. This was a fun discovery in a fascinating city which is under the radar for a lot of people.
I’ve been to Brussels a number of times, usually connected to work, and I’ve always admired the art nouveau architecture as I passed it by chance. But I’ve never gone and looked at it purposely. Next time I’m there (likely for work again), I’ll make time to look some of these up! Thank you! I always love your in-depth take on what you see!
Hi Rachel – How lucky you are! I hope you might get there for the October Biennial. It sounds like a wonderful event.
This is amazing I have been to Brussels but must have walked around with my eyes closed as never noticed the Art Nouveau buildings. I look forward to visiting again and seeing it with new eyes. Thank you.
Hi Michele – They’re tucked away, mostly, among more traditionally styled buildings. We did find an entire side street of art nouveau buildings in the Saint Gilles neighborhood by La Porteuse d’Eau restaurant, on the corner of Ave Jean Volders and Rue Vanderschrick. These are very unpretentious, lived in by “normal” renters, it would appear. This location is within walking distance of the Midi station if you’re close. 🙂
We fell in love with the flamboyant style of Art Nouveau several years ago and totally enjoyed exploring Barcelona’s offerings while we were there. Thanks for the introduction to Victor Horta and his architecture, especially the Horta Museum and Tassel house. We’re hoping to get to Brussels in 2016 and will definitely be checking out its awesome architecture.
Hi Anita – I know you’ll love Brussels. It’s definitely a little more restrained than Barcelona, but I think that’s an add to the loveliness. I’ll be very interested in your opinions.
This is my favorite post of all your entries Betsy since I’m an Art Nouveau fan so this really is spectacular. Great job and now I have to put Brussels on my must visit places with all those stunning buildings and interiors especially that first image of that restaurant – wow!
Hi Noel – If you’re a fan, you simply must visit the next time you’re in Europe. La Quincallerie is not only gorgeous, but the food is outstanding, too.
I am not very knowledgeable about Art Nouveau architecture but your fascinating article and the detailed photos have made it come alive for me. I will enjoy Brussels that much more on our next visit!
Hi Denis – Glad to add another dimension for you to enjoy.
Thanks for this wonderful photo tour of Art Nouveau Brussels.
I love this style of architecture…it’s worthy of a trip back to Brussels!
Hi Irene – We love it, too. So reminiscent of a moment in time where things were uniquely beautiful.
12 more reasons to love Brussels! Because chocolate, waffles, and the Grand Place weren’t enough!
Hi Jane – Yes to it all! Brussels is wonderful!
When I think of Brussels my memories are of chocolate, lace, and La Grand-Place from my trips there in the 80s. Thanks for introducing me to Victor Horta, love all the Art Noveau architecture, beautiful design. I especially like the staircases. It all looks so elegant!
Hi Susan – I love the staircases, too. They really are ethereal.
I never knew about the “whiplash” terminology in Art Nouveau – I always learn things from you! I would love to stay at that Hotel Metropole if I find myself back in Brussels one of these days!
Hi Kay – The whiplash was a new one on us, as were many of the details we discovered. And we’d love to stay at the Hotel Metropole, too. 🙂
Another amazing history lesson – and the photos of Art Nouveau in Brussels are simply beautiful. Thanks.
Hi Yasha – Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you.
I enjoyed this photographic Art Nouveau tour of Brussels with you. When I next visit I’d like to take a walking tour, dine in some of those restaurants, stay at a AN hotel, and visit the Horta Museum.
Hi Carole – Sounds like a wonderful plan! Thanks.
Huge thanks for the introduction to Victor Horta. And now I see there’s another UNESCO World Heritage Site to put on my list. I’m feasting my eyes on each of your photos — you’ve captured the beauty of these designs perfectly.
Hi Cathy – Yes, UNESCO is everywhere! I didn’t quite expect this of them, but I’m glad.
Thank you for the lovely tour and history lesson. I will be able to dazzle my friends with all of this new knowledge! Love your photos!
Hi Suzanne – Dazzle away! Hope you get to visit. Thanks.
I love art nouveau and didn’t realise there was so much in Brussells. I lived in Belgium when I was about 18, and visited a couple of times. I wish I’d been old enough to appreciate Victor Horta and his amazing architecture back then!
Hi Jo – We love it, too and were very surprised at the heritage. Hope you get to return.
I love those two staircases and the view of the Metropole Hotel Terrace makes me want to sit in one of the chairs. Good to learn a little about Art Nouveau too.
Hi Jan – Yes, the staircases are my favorite, too. Glad you liked. 🙂
I had no idea art nouveau was so prevalent in Brussels — which is another reason I have to start planning a visit! Love the photos!
Hi Lois – Neither did we. What an amazing and unexpected surprise to a city we grew to really like.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Even with your excellent narrative, the photos definitely helped me to understand what Art Nouveau is about. Victor Horta is a new name for me too. Having recently been in Barcelona (Gaudi-land), I’d say that now Gaudi reminds me of Victor Horta— on LSD.
Hi Suzanne – I think you hit the nail squarely on the head with your assessment of Gaudí. He is definitely on the fantastical side of the art nouveau spectrum. While I am ever amazed by Gaudí, I think Horta’s work would be more livable for me were I ever lucky enough to dwell in one of his creations. Going through the museum in his personal home, I felt very much as though I could easily live there. Gaudí? Not so much (although to be fair, I’ve only been in the castle he built for Gala).
Another great post, Betsy. I’ve really enjoyed the Horta houses and Art Nouveau sprinkled all around Brussels on my past visits, but but would love to return for a more in-depth exploration…especially if it includes a stop at La Quincallerie!
Hi Anita – Two words about La Quincallerie: arrive hungry. We did not and could only eat appetizers. What a waste! We won’t make that mistake again!
The architectural details and embellishments throughout are absolutely spectacular, I would have loved to do this tour! Wonderful photos, thank you for such a great post and the information about Victor Horta; love learning historical details!
Hi Rossana – So glad you enjoyed it. We’re very taken with our new friend, Mr. Horta, too. 🙂
This is a great article. My boyfriend and I are currently cycling our way through The Netherlands heading southward to Belgium. We’re still debating if we should go to Brussels because so many Europeans speak poorly of it ????. Articles like this make me want to try it out. How long were you there?
Hi Alex – We actually had two recent stays: one for a week, and then one for ten days several weeks later. Brussels is really underrated, at least what we’d heard beforehand. It’s one of our favorite European cities now.