If Brussels is the cradle of Art Nouveau, Liège is undoubtedly the Walloon capital of the movement. Liège was mainly known for its private architecture and/or decorative arts projects, with its own particularities in the form of its numerous stone sculptures, sgraffiti, professional scenes and rare quality ironwork.

At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, this movement met the expectations of a bourgeoisie that dominated the economic and political scene in a prosperous industrial region. The house had to symbolise modernity, progress and success.

In Liège, the illustrious names are Gustave Serrurier, Paul Comblen, Victor Rogister and Paul Jaspar. The latter was the founder of a new concept of architecture based on the precepts of Paul Hankar and an enlightened interpretation of the Mosan style. As Liège specialist Sébastien Charlier points out, “more than a personal vocabulary, Jaspar founded a ‘school’: his pupils, such as Victor Rogister and Clément Pirnay, applied his precepts. Art Nouveau quickly became fashionable and left the closed circles of the avant-garde. The modern decorative repertoire could be combined with individual tastes” (Joseph Nusbaum, Maurice Devignée). Added to this was the importance of ornamental sculpture on facades (Olivier Berckmans), and the sgraffito technique (awareness-raising campaigns run by the City for owners and restoration of numerous panels).

Although Art Nouveau was a success on the banks of the Meuse, despite a short-lived existence of only fifteen years or so, the movement continues to leave its mark on the landscape of the Meuse region.

More than 200 properties are listed, some of which are included in the List of Listed Immovable Heritage and the List of Exceptional Immovable Heritage of Wallonia, and many others are included in the Inventory of the Cultural and Immovable Heritage of Wallonia (IPIC).

With this membership, Liège wishes to promote the richness of its Art Nouveau heritage, encourage knowledge of this style and make it accessible to all. International recognition of Liege’s remarkable heritage will position the city on the international stage as a heritage city.