Victor Horta (1861-1945) was the foremost Art Nouveau architect in Belgium in the early part of the twentieth century. The Horta Museum was his home and studio from about 1900 to 1915 and is a wonderful showcase of his vision and ingenuity.
The house is on grand, rather than stately proportions. The centrepiece is a magnificant staircase which has a breathtaking sinuous brass work. At the top of the stairs a glazed ceiling allows in just the right amount of light.
The attention to detail everywhere is amazing, even down to door knobs and switches. Everything is beautiful and even the practical parts of the house, like the urinal in the first floor bedroom, are a design feature.
The house is a bit off the beaten track. The staff are unfriendly and make you feel as though they are doing you a favour by letting you visit. Oh and there is a strictly enforced no photography rule. These annoyances detract from a visit rather than ruin it though. This place is a must for lovers of Art Nouveau and should be a high priority for anyone with an interest in design, architecture or historic buildings.
The website doesn't do the place justice http://www.hortamuseum.be/main.php?lang=en&part=musee&page=informations
I'd add some pictures, but the website says no and (having met the guides) I would't dare defy the custodians of this great house.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment