A landmark in Brussels architectural heritage, La Maison Autrique, located in Schaerbeek, was built in 1893 by the great Belgian architect Victor Horta, celebrated for his role in the birth of the Art Nouveau style, aged just 32. It’s the first manor-house he designed and it represents a crucial step in the evolution of his research. Horta was entrusted with the creation of the family house by his friend Eugène Autrique, an engineer. With a limited budgets, the Autriques requested a simple yet elegant house.
Although the spatial structure is still quite traditional, the use of metal is revolutionary and demonstrates the distinctive Art Nouveau features, such as iron pillars and columns, mosaics, stained glasses, together with the remarkable use of natural light filling the spaces and the innovative floral elements of the decoration. After undergoing an exemplary restoration, La Maison Autrique is now open to the public.
Open to the public from Wednesday to Sunday (12:00-18:00) by appointment only.