Major Town Houses of the Architect Victor Horta
Date of Inscription: 2000
Selection Criteria: (i) to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(ii) to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
iv) to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history.
Overview: The Major Town Houses of the Architect Victor Horta are a group of four townhouses located in Brussels, Belgium, which were designed by the Belgian architect Victor Horta in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The townhouses, which are built in the Art Nouveau style, are considered to be some of the finest examples of the movement in the world.
Prominent Features: The four townhouses that make up the Major Town Houses of the Architect Victor Horta are Hôtel Tassel, Hôtel Solvay, Hôtel van Eetvelde, and Maison & Atelier Horta. Each of these buildings is known for its unique features, such as intricate ironwork, stained glass windows, and curved lines. They are also notable for their innovative use of light and space.
Hôtel Tassel: Completed in 1893, Hôtel Tassel was the first townhouse designed by Horta and is considered to be one of the earliest examples of Art Nouveau architecture. The building features a distinctive curved facade, wrought iron balconies, and a grand staircase.
Hôtel Solvay: Completed in 1900, Hôtel Solvay is one of Horta's most famous works and is known for its intricate ironwork and stained glass windows. The building was designed for the wealthy Solvay family, who were known for their innovations in chemistry.
Hôtel van Eetvelde: Completed in 1898, Hôtel van Eetvelde is another example of Horta's use of innovative materials and techniques. The building features a curved facade, wrought iron balconies, and a central skylight that provides natural light to the interior.
Maison & Atelier Horta: Completed in 1901, Maison & Atelier Horta was designed by Horta for his own use and features a curved facade, intricate ironwork, and a central courtyard. The building now serves as a museum dedicated to Horta's life and work.
Entry Fees: As of 2023, the entry fee for Hôtel Tassel is €10, for Hôtel Solvay it is €12, for Hôtel van Eetvelde it is €8, and for Maison & Atelier Horta it is €10. There are also combination tickets available that allow visitors to visit multiple townhouses at a discounted rate.
Fun Fact: The Hôtel Tassel was also the site of one of the first-ever recorded burglaries using a car. In 1901, a group of burglars stole a large quantity of jewelry and cash from the house and made their getaway in a car that had been waiting outside. The incident made headlines around the world and helped to popularize the use of cars as a means of transportation.
Family Activity: A family-friendly activity close to the townhouses of Victor Horta is a visit to the nearby Parc de Forest. This park is just a short walk away from several of Horta's townhouses, including the Hôtel Tassel and the Hôtel Solvay. Parc de Forest is a beautiful green space that offers plenty of activities for families, such as picnicking, playgrounds, and walking trails. There are also several sports fields and courts, including tennis, basketball, and soccer. The park is a great place to relax and enjoy some fresh air after exploring Horta's magnificent architecture.
How to Reach It: From Brussels: By metro: The Major Town Houses of the Architect Victor Horta are located in the Ixelles neighborhood of Brussels, which is easily accessible by metro. Take Line 2 or 6 to the Porte de Namur station, which is located a short walk from Hôtel Tassel and Hôtel Solvay.
By bus: Several bus lines serve the Ixelles neighborhood, including lines 54, 71, and 95. Get off at the Place Fernand Cocq stop, which is located near Hôtel van Eetvelde and Maison & Atelier Horta.
By tram: Tram line 81 also stops at the Place Fernand Coc
Where to stay: There are several accommodation options near the Major Town Houses of the Architect Victor Horta in Brussels. Some options include:
Selection Criteria: (i) to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(ii) to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
iv) to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history.
Overview: The Major Town Houses of the Architect Victor Horta are a group of four townhouses located in Brussels, Belgium, which were designed by the Belgian architect Victor Horta in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The townhouses, which are built in the Art Nouveau style, are considered to be some of the finest examples of the movement in the world.
Prominent Features: The four townhouses that make up the Major Town Houses of the Architect Victor Horta are Hôtel Tassel, Hôtel Solvay, Hôtel van Eetvelde, and Maison & Atelier Horta. Each of these buildings is known for its unique features, such as intricate ironwork, stained glass windows, and curved lines. They are also notable for their innovative use of light and space.
Hôtel Tassel: Completed in 1893, Hôtel Tassel was the first townhouse designed by Horta and is considered to be one of the earliest examples of Art Nouveau architecture. The building features a distinctive curved facade, wrought iron balconies, and a grand staircase.
Hôtel Solvay: Completed in 1900, Hôtel Solvay is one of Horta's most famous works and is known for its intricate ironwork and stained glass windows. The building was designed for the wealthy Solvay family, who were known for their innovations in chemistry.
Hôtel van Eetvelde: Completed in 1898, Hôtel van Eetvelde is another example of Horta's use of innovative materials and techniques. The building features a curved facade, wrought iron balconies, and a central skylight that provides natural light to the interior.
Maison & Atelier Horta: Completed in 1901, Maison & Atelier Horta was designed by Horta for his own use and features a curved facade, intricate ironwork, and a central courtyard. The building now serves as a museum dedicated to Horta's life and work.
Entry Fees: As of 2023, the entry fee for Hôtel Tassel is €10, for Hôtel Solvay it is €12, for Hôtel van Eetvelde it is €8, and for Maison & Atelier Horta it is €10. There are also combination tickets available that allow visitors to visit multiple townhouses at a discounted rate.
Fun Fact: The Hôtel Tassel was also the site of one of the first-ever recorded burglaries using a car. In 1901, a group of burglars stole a large quantity of jewelry and cash from the house and made their getaway in a car that had been waiting outside. The incident made headlines around the world and helped to popularize the use of cars as a means of transportation.
Family Activity: A family-friendly activity close to the townhouses of Victor Horta is a visit to the nearby Parc de Forest. This park is just a short walk away from several of Horta's townhouses, including the Hôtel Tassel and the Hôtel Solvay. Parc de Forest is a beautiful green space that offers plenty of activities for families, such as picnicking, playgrounds, and walking trails. There are also several sports fields and courts, including tennis, basketball, and soccer. The park is a great place to relax and enjoy some fresh air after exploring Horta's magnificent architecture.
How to Reach It: From Brussels: By metro: The Major Town Houses of the Architect Victor Horta are located in the Ixelles neighborhood of Brussels, which is easily accessible by metro. Take Line 2 or 6 to the Porte de Namur station, which is located a short walk from Hôtel Tassel and Hôtel Solvay.
By bus: Several bus lines serve the Ixelles neighborhood, including lines 54, 71, and 95. Get off at the Place Fernand Cocq stop, which is located near Hôtel van Eetvelde and Maison & Atelier Horta.
By tram: Tram line 81 also stops at the Place Fernand Coc
Where to stay: There are several accommodation options near the Major Town Houses of the Architect Victor Horta in Brussels. Some options include:
- Hotel Sofitel Brussels Le Louise: Located just a short walk from the Horta Museum, this luxury hotel offers comfortable rooms and suites with modern amenities.
- Hotel Made in Louise: This boutique hotel is located in the Louise district, a short distance from the Horta Museum. It features stylishly designed rooms and suites and offers a buffet breakfast.
- B&B Bruxsel: This bed and breakfast is located in a historic building in the Ixelles district, within walking distance of the Horta Museum. It offers cozy rooms and a daily breakfast.
- 9Hotel Sablon: This stylish hotel is located in the Sablon district, a short distance from the Horta Museum. It offers modern rooms and suites with unique decor and a daily breakfast.
- Jam Hotel Brussels: This trendy hotel is located in the Saint-Gilles district, within walking distance of the Horta Museum. It offers stylishly designed rooms and suites, a bar, and a rooftop terrace.