Photo story: Art Nouveau jewels in Brussels

Let’s admit it, there are many Art Nouveau jewels in Brussels so it is hard to pinpoint just a few but in this article we feature a few gems that we wholeheartedly recommend to everyone who is fascinated with this architectural style.

In this photo story, we reveal four stunning interiors that can certainly be considered as jewels of Art Nouveau in Brussels.

Hôtel Tassel (Arch. Victor Horta, 1893)

This house is the Alpha point of European Art Nouveau. Arch. Victor Horta created the first house where he dared to touch upon and modify the traditional structure of Brussels’ townhouse. Instead of the usual three rooms in a row where the middle one is usually rather dark, he created a “portrait house” that was conceived in totality based on the needs of the commissioner, Emile Tassel. A bright interior, smoking room with matching stained glass windows, dark room for photo development and removable railing to fit a photo projector are only a few ingenious elements to mention. Along with three other townhouses of the architect, Hôtel Tassel is UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Maison Roosenboom (Arch. Albert Roosenboom, 1900)

This is a private house that constitutes one of the finest examples of Art Nouveau in the capital. Until not so long ago, this Ixelles residence was squatted. Fortunately, in 2020 it was bought and its new owners are passionate and dedicated to its total restoration. The final goal is to live in the house, but to open its doors regularly to the larger public. One can easily spot the large sgraffito by Privat Livemont that ornates the facade. The interior hides intricate woodwork, fine stained glasses as well as a beautiful chimney.

Hôtel Solvay (Arch. Victor Horta, 1894-1903)

Entering a house designed by Victor Horta is equal with emerging in another universe. The shapes and forms, the colours and materials, the game of light and shadow cuts the breath. This wow-effect is even more obvious when it comes to Hôtel Solvay, the UNESCO World Heritage Town House by Architect Victor Horta that is considered by many to be the peak of his career. Horta used the finest and most precious materials of his time: marbles, exotic woods, velvets, gold and brass. 23 different types of marble and 17 varieties of wood were applied in a decorative scheme dominated by red and orange tones that reinforce the luxurious atmosphere. He also designed every single detail: furniture, carpets, light fittings, tableware and even the doorbell. The fan-shaped skylight complements the feeling of infinity.

Hôtel Otlet (Arch. Octave van Rysselberghe, 1894-1898)

You might have noticed the beautiful door of this house and its intricate doorknob when passing by Hôtel Otlet on the corner of Rue de Florence and Rue de Livourne. The commissioner was Paul Otlet, a doctor of law, socialist activist and pacifist. He devoted his fortune to a model of classification of his archives that we can consider today as a forerunner of the Internet. The interior of the building was designed by Henry van de Velde, one of the most famous figures of Belgian Art Nouveau. This house is the headquarters of Berenboom and Associates law firm.

Photos (c) Dorka Demeter