For the first time ever, the Horta Museum, the Fashion & Lace Museum, and the Ixelles Museum join forces to revive an essential era. In celebration of the 130th anniversary of Art Nouveau, exquisite dresses and fans from the Fashion & Lace Museum, along with paintings from the Ixelles Museum, grace the splendid backdrop of the Horta House. This unprecedented encounter can be experienced starting from November 15th at the Horta Museum.
Art Nouveau is commonly known through its architectural marvels, but it is also a significant artistic movement. To mark this anniversary year, the Horta Museum showcases 9 exceptional pieces from the Fashion & Lace Museum and the Ixelles Museum. These institutions create a compelling dialogue between their artifacts and the spaces within Victor Horta’s former studio-house.
Far from being a historical reenactment, this capsule exhibition offers glimpses of specific aspects of the fashion and artistic representations of the time. Bold or sumptuous, in their forms, materials, or techniques, the dresses and fans from the Fashion & Lace Museum come to life through the paintings from the Ixelles Museum. Within this incomparable setting, the intimate portrait of Jeanne, daughter of Constantin Meunier, unveils feminine beauty accentuated by the fashion pieces. Meanwhile, Juliette Wytsman’s “Cherry Blossoms” evoke the brilliance of nature and the splendor of flowers, a timeless inspiration for painters, couturiers, and architects of the Art Nouveau movement.
Robe deux-pièces, 1907-1908, Satin de soie brodé, mousseline, velours et taffetas de soie © Emilie Gomez
This unique collaboration invites visitors to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of a total aesthetic experience.
Horta Museum
Built between 1898 and 1901 by Victor Horta, these buildings epitomize Art Nouveau at its peak. Organic curves and light burst forth in every corner of the house, forming a total work of art. The house largely retains its original interior decoration. The Horta Museum houses the architect’s archives and a reference library on Art Nouveau.
Fashion & Lace Museum
Preserving over 20,000 pieces of lace, clothing, and accessories dating from the 16th century to the present day, the Fashion & Lace Museum boasts the world’s most significant collections of Brussels lace creation and tailoring. Until January 7, 2024, Art Nouveau lace pieces can be explored in the Lace Room.
Ixelles Museum
Ixelles Museum illustrates the main currents of Belgian and European art from ancient art to the present day. The 19th and 20th centuries, in particular, hold a prominent place in its collections. Comprising primarily paintings, sculptures, drawings, as well as posters and photographs, the museum’s collection includes masterpieces that contribute to its international reputation. The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions.
Please note that the museum is temporarily closed for renovation and expansion.
Practical Information
Exhibition Dates: 15.11.23 > 15.01.24
Address: Horta Museum Rue Américaine 27, 1060 Brussels Website: hortamuseum.be
For more information, you can visit the official websites:
Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to delve into the captivating world of Art Nouveau, exploring its intricate interplay between fashion, art, and architecture.
