Ixelles — Horta's Secret Imprint

Your quest for Brussels' major Art Nouveau heritage begins at the Hôtel Tassel, built in 1893 by Victor Horta. This iconic building, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000, was commissioned by Professor Octave Tassel, a pioneer in integrating iron and glass around a central staircase. In 1991, it was recognized as a Belgian historical monument, marking Horta's first major commission at just 32 years old. This essential starting point in Ixelles immediately immerses you in the architectural audacity of the period, laying the groundwork for exploring Horta's houses in Brussels.

Continue your itinerary to the Maison Ciamberlani, built in 1897 at 24 Rue Defacqz, 1060 Saint-Gilles, by Gustave Strauven, a pupil of Horta. Its facade, adorned with wrought iron and sgraffiti, was restored in 2000 thanks to regional subsidies, demonstrating Brussels' commitment to its heritage. Residence of artist Alexis Ciamberlani, a collector of Symbolist works, this house, classified in 1986, exemplifies late Art Nouveau with its floral relief motifs, offering a fascinating contrast to Horta's work and highlighting the stylistic diversity of the era.

Your exploration then leads you to the Hôtel Solvay, built between 1894 and 1900 by Victor Horta for the industrialist Armand Solvay, Rue de la Reine 224, 1050 Ixelles. With its 4000 m² and 48 rooms adorned with Tiffany stained glass and mosaics, this residence has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2000. The interior, superbly preserved since 1993, is occasionally open to the public, offering a rare glimpse into the opulence of the period. In 2015, the Brussels-Capital Region acquired this property, ensuring the longevity of this Belgian historical monument.

The journey continues to the Horta Museum, Victor Horta's former house-studio (1898) located at Rue Américaine 25, 1060 Saint-Gilles. Inaugurated as a museum in 1969 after its acquisition by the City in 1960, it features 37 restored rooms, including an original kitchen with its 1901 majolica tiling. Classified as a monument in 1953 and a UNESCO site in 2000, this museum, which welcomes approximately 5000 visitors per year by reservation, offers a direct immersion into the intimacy and genius of the architect, a must-see for understanding Art Nouveau in Brussels.

Finally, your Art Nouveau circuit in Brussels leads you to discover the Maison Hannon, built in 1903 by Jules Brunfaut at 96-98 Avenue de la Jonction, 1060 Saint-Gilles. Its asymmetrical facade, combining bricks and blue stone, is adorned with female sculptures, reflecting another facet of the movement. Residence of architect Édouard Hannon, it has become a cultural center since 1993. Classified in 1993 and restored between 1995 and 2001 with particular attention to Art Nouveau photography, this house enriches your understanding of Brussels' heritage and the multiple expressions of this timeless style.