inside art nouveau

Following the construction of the Winssinger, Solvay and Van Eetvelde mansions, and of the Maison du Peuple (“House of the People”), Horta decided to build a house for himself. While less luxurious than the previous buildings, it is no less interesting, and served to showcase Horta’s freely and extensively demonstrated talents.

This is a double building; Horta’s residence was on the left hand side, and his studio on the right. Their functions were clearly separate, despite the presence of the interior passages between the different floors.

Stand in front of the building and examine the studio façade (on the right), marked on the second floor by a large skylight essential for the architect’s draughtsmen. Horta had an office on the first floor.

The façade of the house (on the left) is enlivened by a bow window with an elegant balcony, the floor of which is made of glass slabs.

This carefully restored façade still has its original finishes.

The interior is remarkable; it is highly sophisticated down to the smallest details, from the floor mosaics to the door handles. Here, Horta boldly combined industrial and luxurious materials.

The cloakroom has pivoting doors, designed to enlarge the reception area when Horta was entertaining guests. The foot of the staircase incorporates a column that actually conceals a fin radiator. The spaces extend over a series of half-levels, providing intersecting views over all the rooms and helping to make the house appear much larger than is actually the case.

Light enters from everywhere, and in particular via a remarkable stained glass skylight. It is also intensified through the interplay of reflections in the mirrors at the top of the staircase.

The whole building has been wonderfully restored and for several years now a collection of furniture has been exhibited there. Although these are miscellaneous pieces, they were nevertheless all designed by Horta.

Do not miss the chance to visit this house!