Arts Nouveau architecture

Duration : 4 hours
Type of Tour : Excursion in Brussels

Place Royale
New "Instruments Museum"
Horta House (Visits are possible from 02.00pm, on appointment)
More than 30 "Art Nouveau" heritages

No visit to Belgium could be complete without a private guided tour of the incredibly beautiful and historically significant sites of Brussels' breathtaking Arts Nouveau buildings.

The rich cultural heritage of Brussels includes its recognition as the birthplace of Arts Nouveau architecture. This elaborate construction style emerged from the decorative arts-painting sculpture and was characterized by flowing lines and curved motifs nicknamed 'whiplash'.

The first example of Arts Nouveau architecture in Europe was the Hotel Tassel in Brussels, a home designed by Belgian architect, Victor Horta in 1892. Horta went on to design many of the outstanding Arts Nouveau buildings throughout Brussels, four of which are designed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites and are favorite designations on any guided tour in Brussels.

Many of Baron Horta's works and other important Arts Nouveau buildings were tragically destroyed in the 1960s and 70s. Around the time that Brussels was named Capitol of the European Union, some local politicians and building contractors felt that the city needed a new look and began tearing down some of the beautiful older buildings to create more modern structures.

Despite international protest by over 700 architects, Horta's Maison du Peuple (House of the People) was torn down in 1965. The architectural carnage was eventually deterred by heavy fines and penalties, and the remaining Arts Nouveau buildings in Brussels are more treasured than ever for their rarity.

Our Arts Nouveau walking tour in Brussels will begin along the magnificent Place Royale, where an intriguing example of this architectural style is presented by the Old England building. This imposing girded steel and glass building was designed in 1898 by Paul Saintenoy as a clothing store, and now houses the world -famous Musical Instruments Museum.

My guests on this tour enjoy seeing the astounding collection of musical instruments from around the world. A lovely cafe restaurant on the top floor also provides a thrilling panoramic view of the city of Brussels.

Our guided tour of Brussels will continue to include over 30 examples of our Arts Nouveau heritage, including Horta House, De Lune House, La Maison Autrique and Hotel Ciamberlani.