An old saying holds that Belgians “are born with a brick in their stomach,” referring collectively to their embrace of architectural innovation, the permanence of their homes, and the brick as their primary building material. With cars and cartoons also in the Belgian DNA, here are three choice venues in Brussels for connecting with Belgian quintessence:
Born in Ghent, Victor Horta (1861-1947) pioneered Belgium’s Art Nouveau architectural style, leaving his mark across Europe. While many of his revolutionary works were destroyed when Art Nouveau fell out of favor, surviving examples include his four UNESCO-protected town houses in Brussels. These include his former home and studio, now Museum Horta, where groups can take guided morning tours or arrange for guided Art Nouveau walks in the area.
One of Horta's masterworks was Les Magasins Waucquez (1903). Today, this former Art Nouveau department store is home to the event-capable Belgian Comic Strip Center, a museum devoted to Belgian’s love of cartoons and comic strip art. With room rentals including the prestigious Great Hall, the Center hosts more than 120 events every year, ranging from press conferences and corporate meetings to banquets and cocktail parties. The entire facility can be rented for standing receptions of up to 1,200 people; guests at all events can freely tour the exhibits.
Located in the former parade grounds of the historic Palais du Cinquantenaire complex--King Leopold II's monumental tribute to Belgian industry and innovation—Autoworld is an outstanding showcase of the history of the automobile and automotive industry. Featuring 250 beautifully preserved and restored cars built between 1886 and the 1970’s, the museum offers a variety of expansive spaces for meetings, events and shows, including the Classic Lounge and Boulevard Zone.
