Nestled in the green heart of Uccle, less than 20 minutes from the center of Brussels, the Van Buuren Museum offers a unique cultural experience. This villa, an Art Deco treasure dating from 1928, immerses us in an impressive collection of works of art from the 15th to the 20th century, as well as in its fascinating artistic history during the interwar period. A timeless journey that continues outside the house-museum, in the listed gardens of rare harmony and refined aesthetics. Between exceptional heritage and romantic strolls, discover a sublime place combining history, art, and nature.
The Van Buuren Villa: the incredible collection of a lifetime
Built in 1928 in the Amsterdam School style, the Van Buuren Villa stands out as a true Art Deco gem just a stone’s throw from the capital. At that time, banker and collector David Van Buuren and his wife Alice decided to create a home that reflected their passion for art and aesthetics. Each room, from the Black Salon to the vestibule and the walnut staircase, was designed as a precise showcase. Luxurious period furniture blends perfectly with the collection of sensational works in the home.
© museumvanbuuren.be
The interior is adorned with a dizzying collection of over 300 works of art, ranging from master paintings to bronze sculptures. The guardian of more than five centuries of art history. As you wander through this space steeped in memories, you will discover the legacy of a visionary couple who transformed their daily life into a living museum, bequeathing to Brussels one of the finest jewels in its heritage since 1973.
From the Labyrinth to the Garden of the Heart: the green jewel of Uccle
But beyond the breathtaking architecture of the house, the Van Buuren gardens stand out as a captivating natural splendor. A total of six distinct outdoor spaces spread over more than 1.2 hectares have been meticulously designed by Belgian landscape architects Jules Buyssens and René Pechère. The tour begins with the famous Labyrinth, where seven rooms of greenery sculpted by André Willequet narrate the “Song of Songs,“ a love poem that adds an extra touch of grace to the tour.
© museumvanbuuren.be
The walk continues through the Picturesque Garden, the large rose garden, the green carpet (former lawn tennis court), and the orchard. But the bucolic escape reaches its peak in the Garden of the Heart, the romantic symbol of the museum. This space is Alice’s tribute to her late husband, a unique testimony of love. Within these gardens, which have been listed since 1997, Van Buuren invites you to connect with nature. Here, art and beauty can be breathed in deeply. A jewel admired for its beauty, poetry, and history, just a few steps from the center of Brussels.
📍Avenue Léo Errera, 41, 1180 Brussels