Brussels Art Nouveau

Brussels is the undisputed capital of Art Nouveau. In the late nineteenth century, architects such as Victor Horta, Paul Hankar and Henry van de Velde designed hundreds of buildings here in a style that broke with every convention: ornate wrought-iron curves, luminous glass panels and organic forms that merged nature with architecture. This route introduces you to four venues that each tell the story of that creative revolution in their own way, from an industrial brewery building to the private home of the master himself.

Begin your day in southern Brussels at WIELS, the centre for contemporary art housed in the former Wielemans-Ceuppens brewery. This imposing Art Deco building from 1930 is fully wheelchair accessible thanks to spacious lifts and wide corridors. The rotating exhibitions offer a fresh perspective on contemporary artists and form a striking contrast with the historic architecture. Then head along Avenue Roosevelt to Villa Empain, a magnificent Art Deco masterpiece from 1934. The villa is accessible via a ramp at the entrance and has a lift to the upper floor. Its clean geometric lines and luxurious materials illustrate the transition from Art Nouveau to Art Deco.

After lunch, make your way to the Musical Instruments Museum, housed in the legendary Old England department store on the Mont des Arts. This building by architect Paul Saintenoy, dating from 1899, is one of the finest examples of Art Nouveau in Brussels, with its elegant cast-iron facade and sweeping glass surfaces. The museum is fully accessible by lift and offers stunning views over the city from its rooftop terrace. The collection of over a thousand instruments is an experience in itself, complete with headphones that let you listen to the sounds.

End your day at the Horta Museum in Saint-Gilles, the former home and studio of Victor Horta himself. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the most intimate example of Art Nouveau you can visit: every detail, from the door handles to the staircase balustrades, was personally designed by Horta. Please note that accessibility is more limited here due to the historic character of the building. Contact the museum in advance to discuss the possibilities. Practical tips: the Horta metro station (lines 2/6) has a lift and is within rolling distance. Be aware of cobblestones in some streets around Saint-Gilles. Disabled parking spaces are available near Avenue Louise and Place Royale. Plan sufficient rest breaks, as the distances between the sites require travel by taxi or adapted transport.