Saving Art Nouveau: an obstacle course

In 2023, we celebrated the 130th anniversary of the Tassel Hotel, the first masterpiece of Victor Horta and a true manifesto of Art Nouveau. The year 1893 thus marks the beginning of a golden period for architecture and decorative arts. Art Nouveau, which quickly became a fashion phenomenon, dressed facades, decorated interiors, and gave shape to objects. The First World War put an end to this period of euphoria. Art Nouveau would then experience a long descent into hell, and after decades of destruction, the demolition of the Maison du Peuple in 1965 would suddenly awaken consciences. During the darkest hours of "Bruxellisation," individuals would nevertheless fight to safeguard buildings that, without their intervention, would probably have disappeared. Associations, including the ARAU, would also be formed in reaction to the demolition of the historic city. Is Art Nouveau heritage saved for all that? Much remains to be done, particularly regarding small heritage and interior fittings. This walk retraces the eventful history of Brussels Art Nouveau, through some significant examples like the fate of the Aubecq de Victor Horta hotel, now disappeared, the future of the Solvay Hotel, which has become a museum, or through current restoration projects.