City centre, over 250 years of architecture

Brussels is a jumble of European architectural styles. In the mid-18th century, the enlightened Austrian rulers introduced classicism here. In the 19th century, eclecticism and the ‘neo’ styles became popular: the conservative Catholics preferred neo-Gothic, while the progressive liberals made the running for the Flemish neo-renaissance and, at the turn of the century, the matchless art nouveau. Modernism and art deco followed after the First World War.

This route will take you from one architectural style to another: among other things we will visit the classical Place Royale, the former Old England department store (art nouveau, Paul Saintenoy), the Centre for Fine Arts and the Central Station (both art deco, Victor Horta), the Galeries Saint-Hubert (neoclassical, Jean-Pierre Cluysenaar), and the Comics Art Museum in a former warehouse, Les Magasins Waucquez (art nouveau, Victor Horta). We will pay particular attention to the innovative ideas of Brussels art nouveau and their influence on architecture up to the present day.

And also ...

Visits are only possible during the opening hours of the building.  

Practical information  

Departure: Place Royale

Finish: near Place De Brouckère

Prices and practical details   

Booking