Musée Horta

Contact

Benjamin zurstrassen – Museum director

Musée Horta
Rue Américaine, 27
1060 Saint-Gilles, Belgium

phone + 32 2 543 04 92

mail  info@hortamuseum.be

The Musée Horta is housed in the personal home and studio of architect Victor Horta (1861- 1947). Built between 1898 and 1901 at numbers 23 and 25, Americain street in Saint-Gilles, the two buildings are typical of Art Nouveau at its peak. Much of the interior decoration of the house has been preserved, with mosaics, stained-glass windows and murals creating an harmonious whole, refined down to the smallest detail.

Major artists

Black and white portrait of Victor Horta
Victor Horta
Architect

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The architecture of the façade, inspired by the Glasgow School, combines symmetry, verticality and perfect geometry. In this respect, it differs from Victor Horta’s Art Nouveau vegetal line. As Paul Cauchie was one of the most prolific sgraffiti artists of his time, it’s only natural that he wanted to present an exceptional decoration on the facade and inside of his house to attract potential customers. The sgraffiti on the façade and inside the bel-étage are unique. In particular, the façade is adorned with one of Europe’s largest sgraffiti, and the front room of the bel étage is entirely decorated with it. But other techniques are also used, such as fresco, stained-glass, joinery (stair railings, openwork panelling, interior and exterior frames) and wallpaper.

The former kitchen-cellars have been converted into a gallery to display the works and archives of Paul and Lina, also talented artists.

Destined for demolition in the 1970s, the house was saved by a passionate couple who undertook an exemplary restoration project. In 1987, the sgraffiti on the belétage, hidden behind wallpaper since 1954, were brought back to life. In 1989, anasbl was created to provide a framework for the initiatives the owners wished to develop: tours, exhibitions and publications on Art Nouveau, Cauchie and sgraffiti. Since then, Maison Cauchie has continued to welcome numerous visitors and share its message of love and beauty.