BRUSSELS BIENNALE OF ECLECTIC ARCHITECTURE

Taking its inspiration from many different historical styles at the same time as upholding artistic creativity, the eclectic movement (1830-1914) was based on a vision of the city and architecture that brought together art, history and innovation. This heritage-blending movement fully took into account the diversity of its (re)sources, and ran parallel with a precise understanding of older architectural heritage and a desire to create unique and even iconic designs. It began against a background of unprecedented urban growth at a key moment for the capital city of the newly independent Belgium. The eclectic movement created a new urban look, developed around buildings that wanted to set themselves apart from each other, while at the same time all being involved in the expansion of the city.

Exceptionally, the hotels Campioni, Boël and Puccini, the former homes of architects Paul Saintenoy and Jean-Baptiste Timmermans, and the Bertha Harmand and Résimont houses (now Prague House) were all opening their doors to the public.

Nearly 200 guests took the guided tour of the Prague House in Brussels during this event.

For almost a quarter of a century, Bosmans and Vandeveld were the preferred architects of the Solvay industrialists, for whom they created a castle residence, office buildings and the famous Solvay Library, but also the Tour & Taxis or the l’Athénée Léon Lepage. Blithely crossing the architectural trends to which they adapted their projects: Flemish neo-Renaissance, eclecticism, rationalism and Art Nouveau.

The house on Avenue Palmerston 16 bears witness to their mastery of various historical styles, with its sober facade in blue and white stone with Baroque or Empire decorative elements, the interior with an Empire living room and a neo-style dining room. -Flemish Renaissance typical of this era, and still decorated with its original, richly carved furniture.