Horta designed this in 1894 at the age of 33, and it's considered one of his masterpieces. It was commissioned by the Solvay family (soft-drink manufacturers), who gave him free rein in matters of design and budget. It's open only to ARAU tour groups; if you can't join one, the hints of art nouveau visible on the outside are worth a look.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
27.12 MILES
The medieval building and 1622 courtyard garden alone would be worth a visit, but it's the world's oldest printing press, priceless manuscripts and…
1.16 MILES
This 1899 former department store is an art nouveau showpiece with a black facade aswirl with wrought iron and arched windows. The building contains the…
1.51 MILES
Brussels’ magnificent Grand Place is one of the world’s most unforgettable urban ensembles. Oddly hidden, the enclosed cobblestone square is only revealed…
1.16 MILES
Strap on a pair of headphones, then step on the automated floor panels in front of the precious instruments (including world instruments and Adolphe Sax’s…
0.47 MILES
The typically austere exterior doesn’t give much away, but Victor Horta’s former home (designed and built 1898–1901) is an art nouveau jewel. The…
0.89 MILES
One of Brussels’ overlooked architectural wonders, this splendid Napoleon III–style palace
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26.74 MILES
Set on the grounds of a former Cistercian Abbey, this 65-hectare park is home to more than 5000 animals (including pandas, koalas, gorillas and lemurs)…
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15.27 MILES
The inventive and touchingly nostalgic Hergé Museum celebrates the multitalented creator of comic-strip hero Tintin with an engaging, inventive and…
Nearby Brussels attractions
0.26 MILES
Art nouveau house boasting beautiful, gilded sgraffito design at the top.
0.29 MILES
This 1904 private house has circular windows, super stained glass and a lovely 2nd-floor balcony.
0.32 MILES
A lovely art deco church built from concrete, a bold move in 1935 when it was completed.
0.32 MILES
These two long, narrow freshwater ponds in Ixelles are flanked by many grand mansions.
0.34 MILES
An 1893 house was designed by prominent art nouveau architect Paul Hankar (1859–1901) as his own studio.
0.35 MILES
This marvellous 1938 ‘liner’ building originally conceived as the national radio building, is now the centre of an up-and-coming nightlife area. With its…
8. Ave Général de Gaulle 38-39
0.35 MILES
Admire the crazy wrought-iron railings on this otherwise stern private art nouveau house.