Our beautiful capital is rich in Art Nouveau splendor! Among its architectural nuggets is the Hôtel Solvay, a major work by Victor Horta in Brussels. Now a museum, you can visit this exceptional building steeped in history twice a week. Admire its unique façade, gilded metal balustrade and interiors.
This Art Nouveau mansion – of unprecedented richness – is a jewel in the heart of Brussels, on the elegant Avenue Louise. Since 2021, this Unesco World Heritage marvel has been open to the public for special tours. Who’s behind this masterpiece? Genius architect Victor Horta and industrialist Armand Solvay. An exceptional example of Art Nouveau, this masterpiece has been preserved in remarkable condition.
Hôtel Solvay: the playground of a genius architect
The history of this building dates back to 1894. Armand Solvay, son of the famous chemist Ernest Solvay, wanted a mansion. He commissioned Victor Horta to design his residence for the winter months. What’s more, the industrialist gave the architect carte blanche. This meant an almost unlimited budget for the project! This absolute financial freedom is reflected in the creative execution. It is also reflected in the choice of materials, all of which are of the highest quality.
The Hôtel Solvay is one of Horta’s most remarkable creations from 1895 to 1903. The architect conceived the building in its entirety. In fact, he imagined the furnishings and interior down to the smallest detail. For example, he innovated with a side entrance. Under a porch, horse-drawn carriages would enter, drop off travelers, then continue on to the stables at the far end of the garden. The result is one of Horta’s best-preserved buildings to date.
In 1958, Louis and Berthe Wittamer-De Camps bought the hotel and set up their haute-couture workshops. From 1976 onwards, the couple devoted themselves to restoring the hotel. The hotel was listed by royal decree in 1977. In 2000, the Hôtel Solvay was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This confirms its historical and artistic importance!
Art Nouveau in every detail: facade and interior treasures to visit at the museum
Transformed into a museum, the Hôtel Solvay has been open to the public twice a week (Thursdays and Saturdays) since January 23, 2021. The tour begins at the porte cochère. Visitors first discover the façade, with its surprising relief. Inside, the Salon d’Honneur and the first floor are a delight.
After admiring the kitchen and smoking room, a staircase leads upstairs. Here, visitors will discover a glass roof and a painting by Belgian painter Théo Van Rysselberghe. They can also admire woodwork, ornaments and furniture designed by Horta himself. The tour continues with the dining room and salons on the Bel étage. It’s a great way to discover one of Brussels’ architectural heritage icons.