80 BELGIUM AND LUXEMBOURG REGION BY REGION
The bedrooom Central staircase
features Art
Nouveau furniture,
including a
wardrobe inlaid
with pale and
dark wood.
Dining
room
Madame Horta’s
sitting-room is
furnished with
blue-and-
cream rugs
of wool,
designed by
Victor Horta.Music roomMusée Horta 1
Rue Américaine 25, St-Gilles, 1060
BRU. Road Map B4. Tel (02) 5430
- @ 48, 54. Q Albert, Louise. v
3, 4, 33, 51, 92, 94, 97. # 2–5:30pm
Tue–Sun. & http://www.hortamuseum.be
Belgian architect Victor Horta
(1861–1947) is considered by
many to be the father of Art
The elegant, light-filled living room showcasing Horta’s characteristic style
Nouveau architecture. Horta’s
prodigious skill lay not only
in his grand, overall vision
but in his equal talent as an
interior designer. He had a
huge impact on the architec-
ture of Brussels in his day
(see p82), although many of
his buildings no longer exist.
This museum, the most com-
plete exploration of the ArtNouveau style, is housed in
his restored family home and
studio. These two delight ful
buildings were designed by
Horta between 1898 and 1901.
The airy interior of the house
displays Horta’s trade mark
archi tectural style, using iron,
glass and curves, while retain-
ing a functional approach.
The details of his work are
best seen in the living room,
where sculpted bannister ends
and finely made door handles
echo forms found in nature.
The splendid central staircase
is decorated with curved
wrought iron, and the stairs
are enhanced by mirrors,
which bring natural light into
the house. In the dining
room, white enamel tiles line
the walls, rising to an ornate
ceiling decorated with the
scrolled metalwork used in
other rooms. This harmonious
blend of colour and materials
is characteristic of Horta’s
work and part of the endur-
ing appeal of Art Nouveau.Front
Curved window frames and entrance
elaborate metal balconies
adorn the exterior.For hotels and restaurants in this region see p263 and pp286–7