Stage 3
Stage 3
Horta at last!
Art Nouveau
Admire a series of magnificent facades, as you cross Avenue Brugmann to reach number 80, the house and studio of the sculptor Fernand Dubois, which was created by Victor Horta (yes, finally him!). Built between 1901 and 1903, the building is now occupied by the Cuban Embassy in Belgium. Continue on to numbers 120, 122 and 124 to see a set of two town houses and a 1904 Art Nouveau-style mansion, attributed to the firm of architect Ernest Blerot. Turn around (yes, again!) and go to the studio of sculptor and painter Louise de Hem at 15-17 Rue Darwin, a double building consisting of an artist's studio from 1902 and a town house from 1905. These buildings were also designed by architect Ernest Blerot.
At 4 Rue de la Réforme stands the studio and home of painter Géo Bernier, dating from 1902 and created by French architect Alban Chambon. At number 74 is the former home and studio of painter George Lemmers, built in 1904 by Charles Gabriel in an eclectic style mixed with Art Nouveau.
© visit.brussels - Jean-Paul Remy
Make your way on to 85 Rue de Washington, to see the Vinck house, a bourgeois Art Nouveau town house with a very sober and geometrical facade, designed by Victor Horta and built in 1906. In 1927, Adrien Blomme added a storey to the building and modified the facade. Another of Horta's creations is the house of writer and art critic Sander Pierron, a friend of the architect, built in 1903 at 157 rue de l'Aqueduc. At 92 Rue Africaine you’ll find a superb geometrical Art Nouveau house, designed by Benjamin De Lestrée de Fabribeckers in 1905.
© visit.brussels - Eric Danhier
© visit.brussels - Eric Danhier
At 24 Rue Américaine, you arrive at one of the holy grails of the Art Nouveau style: the Horta Museum. Designed by the architect, it was built between 1898 and 1901 and is divided in two, housing the family home on one side and the architect's office on the other. It was acquired by the commune of Saint-Gilles and transformed into a museum in 1969. We strongly encourage you to visit it. It’s the perfect opportunity to see what is hidden behind those beautiful facades. It’s also an opportunity to remember that Art Nouveau went beyond architectural art and was involved in even the smallest details. You will not regret your visit.
Have you had your fill? Please note that after seeing this Art Nouveau marvel, some facades may seem a little bland or basic (but there are yet more treasures to come!).