Decorative Art Nouveau in the BELvue Museum
In addition to its Grand Place, Manneken Pis, Atomium, numerous museums and parks, no fewer than 500 Art Nouveau buildings in Brussels attract visitors from all over the world. And until January 7, 2024, the BELvue museum will also be hosting an exhibition about countless masterpieces of decorative art in that movement.
The Tassel House, the Solvay House, the Cauchie House, the Van Eetvelde House, the Strip Museum, the Horta House, the Musical Instrument Museum and the Stoclet House have long since held no secrets for admirers. The typical features of these buildings are natural curves and whips, the arbitrary use of metal and stones, wrought iron ornaments with plant motifs, mosaics, wall frescoes and natural lighting. Art Nouveau rebelled against the excesses of far-reaching industrialisation and the frenetic adherence to earlier art styles.
But make no mistake: Art Nouveau is more than architectural gems, many of which are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. He also conquered the domain of applied art to embellish everyday life in the early 20th century. Of these, the King Baudouin Foundation, owner of an impressive collection of 25,000 works, exhibits its Art Nouveau masterpieces in the BELvue Museum. Furniture, book bindings, jewellery ... designed by big names such as Victor Horta, Henry van de Velde, Paul Hankar, Gustave Serrurier-Bovy, Philippe Wolfers, among others.
Enjoy Art Nouveau with a story.