Tucked away in the heart of Ixelles, Hôtel Albert Ciamberlani attracts with its singular facade and unsuspected details. Between heritage and creation, this monument designed by the famous architect Paul Hankar plunges us into the magic of Brussels Art Nouveau. Let’s discover it.
Paul Hankar: the architect who dared the extraordinary
There’s nothing quite like the Hotel Ciamberlani! Here, symmetry gives way to boldness: the main door is not in the center and the windows curve in unexpected rhythms. Hankar, a pioneer of Art Nouveau, left the metal structure visible on the façade, a nod to industrial modernity.
A close look at the building reveals a wealth of new details. The break with classic buildings is evident in the horseshoe-arched windows and Far Eastern wood frames. Shapes, sizes and perforations clash with codes once thought immutable. That’s Hankar’s Art Nouveau revolution!
Sgraffito and secrets: the hallmark of Hôtel Albert Ciamberlani
Suspended over several floors, the hotel facade becomes a pictorial masterpiece. At the very top, Ciamberlani’s sublime sgraffiti, created by Adolphe Crespin, offer a rare symbolist spectacle. Ingenious medallions and friezes adorn every nook and cranny, fusing decorative art with the deep soul of the place. Inside, the furniture and staircase reflect the same innovative, poetic spirit.
Listed as a historic monument, the building now houses the residence of the Argentine ambassador. Considered one of Hankar’s best-preserved hotels, Hotel Albert Ciamberlani remains a source of emotion for lovers of architecture and local culture. So next time you’re out and about in Ixelles, be sure to take a look (or two).
📍Rue Defacqz, 48 – 1050 Ixelles