9 must-see Art Nouveau museums in Brussels

Brussels: the capital of Belgium, Europe, beer, chocolate, comics and now of course, the Art Nouveau capital!

In this selection, learn a little more about 9 emblematic places that you can now visit with the advantageous Art Nouveau Pass.

Cauchie House

Just a stone’s throw from the Parc du Cinquantenaire, you will find the Maison Cauchie, a jewel of Art Nouveau architecture dating from 1905. This work of art was fully conceived by the architect-decorator Paul Cauchie as a house for him and his wife Lina. Cauchie’s trademark? Sgraffiti - beautiful mural decoration -, which also adorn the facade and first floor of his own home. The building narrowly escaped demolition in the 1970s and a lengthy renovation has restored it to its former glory: with the original furniture and paintings by the designer himself, it is a total Brussels work of art not to be missed!

Solvay House

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, the Hôtel Solvay is now open to the public. In 1894, Armand Solvay, son of the industrial chemist Ernest Solvay, asked Victor Horta to design a house for his family. The result is a modern house where light floods the rooms through the glass. Everything in this house, down to the smallest detail, ​“breathes” Horta. Immerse yourself in the world of this Belgian genius!

MIM - Musical Instruments Museum

The MIM is the Museum of Musical Instruments housed in the former Old England stores since 2000. It is divided into two complexes, a neo-classical building and an Art Nouveau building. Together they combine to house one of the largest, most diverse, and impressive collections of instruments in the world. Admire the architectural splendor from floor to ceiling! 

Comics Art Museum Brussels

Comic books in an Art Nouveau temple: basically, the best of Brussels! Designed by Victor Horta as a department store in the early 20^th century, this building in one of the oldest districts of our capital has been home to the Comic Strip Museum for over 25 years. The ninth art is honored here - from a tribute to its beginnings to the most recent developments. A museum visit with an extra architectural dimension? Look no further!

The Maison Autrique

Built in the heart of Schaerbeek in 1893, the Maison Autrique is the first townhouse designed by the young architect Victor Horta. Its sober and comfortable interior is a glimpse of what old Brussels homes and daily life were like at the end of the 19^th century. It is an important work because Horta turned the traditional rules of construction upside down. The house has undergone many transformations that still leave visible traces today. Here authenticity is the key.

Horta Museum

Short trip to the house of the famous architect Victor Horta, now transformed into a museum. The Horta house is the perfect example of Art Nouveau and a modern and revolutionary vision of building: its iron structures, omnipresent natural light and its plant and arabesque ornaments. Much of the interior decoration has been preserved. You can admire the mosaics, stained glass, furniture and murals. A harmonious and fluid whole which was looked after in the least details.

Wolfers Brothers stores

Originally located on Rue Arenberg from 1909 to 1912, the authentic Wolfers Frères goldsmith’s store is now on display in the Art & History Museum in Brussels. Entirely designed by Victor Horta, the display cases and cabinets are arranged in the same way as imagined at the time. Here you will be immersed in an era characterized by Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles, thanks to all kinds of sculptures and precious silverware.

Maison Hannon

Located in Saint-Gilles, the Hannon House combines Belgian and French Art Nouveau in a dreamlike, symbolist style. Marie and Edouard Hannon commissioned it from their architect friend Jules Brunfaut in 1902. In addition to architectural features such as the stairwell and a greenhouse that spills out onto the street, the house contains exceptional furniture made by Emile Gallé. 

Hotel van Eetvelde & LAB·An

Adjacent to LAB-An, the art nouveau interpretation centre, the Hotel van Eetvelde was built by Victor Horta for Baron Edmond van Eetvelde, Secretary General of the Independent State of the Congo. The Hôtel van Eetvelde was designed, in the words of Victor Horta himself, as ​“the most daring one he had ever done”. You can visit this jewel of Brussels Art Nouveau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.