One million times Art Nouveau

The Art Nouveau Year in Brussels came to an end with an unprecedented success counting 1,000,000 visitors from Belgium and abroad. Our Art Nouveau editor, Dorka Demeter followed the events closely and regularly updated the WeLoveBrussels readers as well as the larger public through her Instagram account @artnouveau.brussels on the milestones.

It was at the end of 2022 that the Art Nouveau Year was officially announced. The reason for celebrating in 2023 the Year of Art Nouveau in Brussels was that in 1893, exactly 130 years ago, architect Victor Horta finished the Tassel House. This building is the founding work of the Art Nouveau movement in Brussels. The impressive modernity of its façade, its custom-made structure and the sumptuous interiors mark a milestone in the history of architecture – earning Brussels the title of cradle of European Art Nouveau.

Throughout the year a multidisciplinary programme highlighted major heritage elements through a renewed and strengthened museum offer, numerous major exhibitions, festive events, guided tours, conferences and publications. Hôtel Hannon opened its doors to the public as the latest Art Nouveau museum in town. All four UNESCO World Heritage Townhouses of Victor Horta (read our story about Hôtel Solvay!) opened their doors on a regular basis. Festivals such as BANAD and major art events like BRAFA dedicated their 2023 edition to this artistic movement. Thus, Art Nouveau was celebrated in all its diversity and Brussels staked its claim as the capital of this international artistic movement.

WeLoveBrussels contributed actively to this diverse program by organising a photo contest along with an exhibition in Talk CEC Gallery focusing on Art Nouveau. The exhibition, along with the special section by Dorka Demeter entitled Inside #artnouveau2023, welcomed hundreds of visitors during the Heritage Days in September.