5 Rue des Francs — 1040 Brussels
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info@cauchie.be
Town Planning Environment
1893 : Brussels, Capital of Art Nouveau
Artistic trends in the second half of the 19th century widely travelled throughout Europe.
New movements were disseminated by means of international exhibitions, or trade fairs held in the major cities as well as by the opening of shops trading in Japanese products, the return of colonial expeditions, and the circulation of architecture and decoration publications.
Art Nouveau was inspired by all of these movements, and Brussels, due to its geographical position and ‘innovative’ architects, such as Horta, Hankar, Van de Velde etc. became the capital of Art Nouveau for a brief period of time.
Around the year 1900, there reigned a real climate of competition, which coincided with a period of expansion. The city was growing and numerous middle-class houses were being built.
Architects and decorators, encouraged by competitions for façades organised by the local authorities, rivalled in originality, and were mixing ornamental styles and techniques. The streets became a succession of completely different façades. Thus the street is a real museum for everyone.