Art Nouveau in the Louise district

The birth of a style that conquered the world Did you know that the Louise district is considered the cradle of Art Nouveau? Around 1893, at the end of the 19th century, a small group of visionary architects and artists began to question every aspect of society. Their goal was to reconcile the technical era with beauty and idealization, so that architecture and applied arts penetrated into the smallest facet of daily life. In this neighborhood, you can see that aspiration come to life in the houses, facades, and ornaments that characterize Art Nouveau. UNESCO World Heritage During a walk along Avenue Louise and the surrounding streets, you will discover the most important representatives of the style, including Paul Hankar, Octave van Rysselberghe, and Thomas Roosenboom, and of course Victor Horta. The, perhaps most famous, Belgian architect designed the building in 1893 that went down in history as the first Art Nouveau building: Hôtel Tassel. This mansion, along with Hôtel Solvay, which is also on the route, belongs to UNESCO World Heritage. Both are groundbreaking designs that changed architecture forever. During this tour, you will discover the subtle differences between the various architects and their interpretation of Art Nouveau. You will admire facades and details that make this style so unique, and hear the stories behind the designers and residents. This way, you will not only learn about the beauty of the buildings but also the social and cultural context in which Art Nouveau flourished. 2.5-hour walk with a guide.