Leisure spaces from the Roaring Twenties

place de la Bourse 1, 1000 Brussels
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20 - 21 September 2025
Overview

The centre of Brussels is a treasure trove for lovers of architectural styles. Set off in search of buildings where joie de vivre took centre stage once again, after the misery of the First World War and the hardships of the early 1920s. Bars and dance halls could again be enjoyed in complete freedom. Cinemas allowed dreams of luxury and glamour. Hotels with sophisticated interiors attracted more and more tourists as travel became more widespread. The musical entertainment offering also diversified. Victor Horta’s Palais des Beaux-Arts or Bozar (1922-1929), where exhibitions and concerts were held, set the tone for the Art Deco style. This new style, still confused with Art Nouveau, was soon imitated by many other architects. This two-hour walk will explore the historic centre, from the Bourse to Place Rogier, and highlight the work of a number of architects, including Paul Hamesse, Michel Polak, Léon Govaerts, Antoine Pompe and many others. In collaboration with the non-profit organisation Culturama. Photographs are permitted, but only with smartphones.

Practical information

Saturday at 10.30 am (NL), 11.30 am (FR), 1.30 pm (NL), 2.30 pm (EN), 2.30 pm (FR), 3.30 pm (NL) and Sunday at 10.30 am (NL), 10.30 am (EN), 11.30 am (FR), 1.30 pm (NL), 2.30 pm (EN), 2.30 pm (FR), 3.30 pm (NL) (duration 2hrs, maximum 18 people per departure).
place de la Bourse 1, 1000 Brussels
Meeting point: In front of the Bourse End point: Place Rogier 11, 1210 Saint-Josse-ten-Noode
Advance booking required: machteld@culturamavzw.be

Address
place de la Bourse 1, 1000 Brussels

50.848293, 4.348951

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