Art Nouveau to Art Deco treasures revealed at Brussels' Museum of Art and History
Ready to indulge in some historical splendor? crisp June 13 heralds the grand opening of the Art & History Museum's long-awaited exhibit halls. Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Brussels' Cinquantenaire Park, these splendid halls are dedicated to the artistic delights of Belgian Art Nouveau and Art Deco, as well as the fascination of 19th-century decorative arts. Covering a massive 1,200m2 combined area, these newly revamped space promises a visual feast of exceptional artworks, many gracing the public eye for the very first time.
The pièce de résistance of the Art Nouveau section is undoubtedly the exquisitely restored and reassembled winter garden of the Salle Cousin. Its superb stained glass windows, wooden panelling, and elegantly designed marble fireplace - masterfully crafted by the "father of Belgian Art Nouveau", Victor Horta - offer a breathtaking glimpse into the era's opulence. This masterpiece is a rare survivor from the destruction of three Horta buildings, with the Maison du Peuple and Maison Aubecq serving as the unfortunate victims.
The Art Nouveau exhibition is thoughtfully curated to demonstrate that Belgium's artistic contributions are not solely attributed to Horta. Among the other brilliant minds showcased are Henry van de Velde, Paul Hankar, Paul Hamesse, and Gustave Serrurier-Bovy. Van de Velde's stunning furniture ensembles, including those from his Bloemenwerf villa in Uccle, are sure to leave visitors in awe.
Transiting to Art Deco, the museum puts its emphasis on the visionaries such as Belgian heavyweights Constant Montald and Oscar Van de Voorde. The exhibit offers an enchanting array of exquisite jewelry from Philippe Wolfers, a key figure in the 1925 Paris International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts. One highlight on display, freshly unearthed in the museum's plaster workshop, is the imposing sculpture 'The Decorative Art' by Pieter Braecke.
Additional designers and firms that defined the Art Deco era, representing a harmonious blend of industrialization, progress, and lavish indulgence, are Charles Catteau, Val-Saint-Lambert glassware, De Coene Brothers wooden furniture, and more.
However, Belgium's artistic prowess in the 19th century is often overlooked. The 19-century decorative arts gallery serves as a treasure trove of Belgian art, displaying an abundance of daily-life artifacts, including Brussels Hard porcelain, Vonêche Crystal luxury glassware, and a stunning Brussels/Havana wedding dress. This gallery also does an exceptional job in encapsulating the changing times - from the evolution of children's toys and clothing, to the rise of electric lighting, telephony, transport, fashion, and the art of dining.
One intriguing tidbit of information that the gallery shares pertains to an iron bath supported by sturdy legs. In the 19th century, bathing more than once a week was deemed "excessive", and it was considered safest to wash while wearing one's (white, voluminous) shirt.
So dive into these enchanting exhibitions, as one early museum review from 1889 proclaimed: "The Brussels Art & History Museum is an essential addition to a visit to Belgium and Brussels", or heed the advice from a charming 20 Belgian Railways travel poster (1913): "In Brussels, first go to the Musées Royaux du Cinquantenaire".
- The Salle Cousin's restored winter garden, a masterpiece by Victor Horta, offers a breathtaking glimpse into the opulence of the Art Nouveau era, blending eco-friendly home-and-garden designs with a touch of luxury lifestyle.
- Admirers of photography will enjoy the striking display of Henry van de Velde's furniture ensembles, with several pieces captured beautifully in images, showcasing the artistic delights of Belgian Art Nouveau.
- Complementing the Art Nouveau and Art Deco displays, the 19th-century decorative arts gallery offers a snapshot of Belgian lifestyles, from their home-and-garden practices to their eco-conscious daily activities, encapsulating the changing times in a breathtaking photography exhibition.
