Brussels is rich in Art-Nouveau and Art-Deco jewels and it is really exciting to walk around and discover always new architectural details. It is however more difficult to visit the interiors of these buildings since most of them are open to the public in special occasions only. Musée Van Buuren is a private house that has been turned into a museum, it is therefore open all year round, just like the Musée Horta, a masterpiece of Art-Nouveau. So, if you wish to learn more about both styles in Brussels, visiting these two museums is an excellent choice.
The external architecture of Musée Van Buuren, which was built in 1928 for a banker and arts patron, is not typically Art-Deco, but once you walk across the threshold, everything reminds you of Art-Deco! Furniture, luminaires, tapestry, staircase…it is a true example of “total art”. Apparently, nothing's changed since the owners left, which gives the place a real feeling of intimacy.
I love the wonderful stained-glass windows and luminaires with geometric motifs as well as the coloured rugs throughout the house. There are also paintings of great value and just out of curiosity, in the music room stands the piano of French composer Eric Satie which I had once the chance to listen to during a concert organised by the museum.
What makes the visit of Musée Van Buuren even more pleasant is its gorgeous gardens which are considered masterpieces of landscaping. This a quiet place to relax after a journey in Art-Deco!
Find your way with 295 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
You order a bouillon, which can have different bases, meat or veggie options. Add the sauces, what you would like to eat and then the magic happens.
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Piscine l'Espadon has three pools; a normal one, a small one for kids and even a mini heated one for babies and toddlers, with slides!
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The crispiness of the chicken perfectly matched the softness of the freshly made waffle, and the teriyaki sauce was just the “savory” cherry on top.
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"JeanBon" Comptoir Gourmand in Brussels offers freshly prepared products that are homemade with love, for your breakfast, lunch and apéritivos at home.
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Spanish-souled "Café Mercedes" in Brussels tells the history of its neighborhood through the eyes of its owners who've been here since the '60s...
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"Joseph Marien Stadium" in Brussels doesn't look like a stadium - it's another Art Deco building that fascinates me with its long, beautiful facade.
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"Altitude 100" in Brussels is a fascinating place in the commune of Forest in Brussels. I like it's a church in the center of a big roundabout!
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My favorite is Spanakopita, a buttery & flaky phyllo pastry with a filling of cooked spinach and feta cheese. For dessert I recommend a slice of Bougatsa!
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"La Boule d'Oro" is my personal no. 1 brasserie in Brussels. This corner cafe resembles my primary school cafeteria & has excellent Belgian food & beer.
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The "Cemetery of Brussels" (opened in 1877) was designed as an English landscape garden - get lost among avenues and cobbestone streets here...
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"Le Monts des Arts" is my favorite place in Brussels, as all my friends know already - especially the esplanade at the end of it. Just go at sunset...
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They look at each other and then it starts right away, no time to think, they just do. What I love most is the conversations you have afterward...
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295 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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