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After years of renovation, the stunning façade of the Solvay Hotel in Brussels has been unveiled once again. It had been covered in scaffolding for the last two years of work.
Located on Avenue Louise, the Solvay Hotel is one of the many masterpieces of Victor Horta, a pioneering Art Nouveau architect. It was built as a family home (rather than a hotel) for wealthy industrialist Armand Solvay in the late 19th century. Working with a virtually unlimited budget, Horta imbued the building with all of his architectural innovations—including the use of light and flowing spaces—with the use of steel for both structure and aesthetics.
But like many Art Nouveau buildings, the Solvay Hotel eventually fell out of fashion. The Solvay family then decided to sell it but, surprisingly, no one wanted it. Although it is barely imaginable today, the Brussels authorities considered demolishing it in the 1950s – a fate that befell many Art Nouveau buildings. The reason? The cost of restoration.
Fortunately, two patrons came forward in 1957, Louis Wittamer and Berthe De Camps. They used the building as a workshop and showroom for their fashion company. They also worked hard to preserve it, a task they would pass on to their children and grandchildren.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, the Hôtel Solvay has since undergone several waves of renovations and is open to the public on certain days.
“Heritage always makes people dream,” said Secretary of State for Urban Planning and Heritage Ans Persoons at the official inauguration of the façade.
The Mayor of Brussels, Philippe Close, commented: “Much more than just stones, the Hôtel Solvay is a living showcase that tells the story of Brussels and now fully contributes to the tourist appeal of our Region.”
