Overview

In 1931, Baron Louis Empain commissioned Swiss architect Michel Polak to draw up plans for a private mansion in the prestigious Avenue des Nations district. He suggested that the master builder create a building in the tradition of Otto Wagner, Adolphe Loos and Joseph Hoffmann. The result is a real jewel of Art Deco, adorned with stained glass, mosaics and beautifully crafted ironwork. Michel Polak arranged the villa around a central hall, respecting the Palladian-inspired floor plans with their well-defined volumes. The 3,500 m2 villa also boasts a large swimming pool at the rear. A complete restoration of the villa has given it back its former glory. The Villa Empain is now home to the Boghossian Foundation, a centre for dialogue between Eastern and Western cultures. (CL 12/07/2001 and 29/03/2007) Although the prestigious interiors of the Villa Empain are exceptionally not accessible, the visit includes a discovery of the garden and monumental swimming pool, as well as an immersion into the 1930s with the Echoes of Art Deco exhibition. Alongside original plans and photographs of the Villa, the exhibition presents unique collections of ceramics, stained glass, posters, furniture and refined objects, as well as precious dresses on loan from the Fashion & Lace Museum. In collaboration with Korei Guided Tours.

Practical information

Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00 and Sunday from 11:00 to 17:00

avenue Franklin Roosevelt 67, 1000 Brussels

Advance booking required.

Accessible with assistance

Bookings

Fully booked.

Address
avenue Franklin Roosevelt 67, 1000 Brussels