Decorative arts 19th century, Belgian Art Nouveau and Art Deco

From June 13, 2025, on the occasion of the Year of Art Deco, two galleries spanning a total of approximately 1,200 square metres highlight the rich collections of furniture and decorative objects from the 19th century, as well as from the later periods of Art Nouveau and Art Deco. These spectacular collections remained hidden from the public for many years.

Belgian Art Nouveau and Art Deco

The first new gallery, covering around 715 square metres, showcases Belgian Art Nouveau and Art Deco. The focus is on Art Nouveau, the style that emerged in Belgium around 1900 and experienced phenomenal growth there. Visitors are offered a comprehensive overview of the stylistic diversity that so strongly characterizes this movement in prosperous Belgium.

Alongside iconic works by renowned figures such as Victor Horta and Henry van de Velde, the exhibition also devotes extensive attention to other influential architects and designers, including Paul Hankar, Léon Sneyers, Paul Hamesse, Gustave Serrurier-Bovy, and Oscar van de Voorde.

One of the absolute highlights is the winter garden designed by Victor Horta for the Brussels engineer Jean Cousin. This monumental structure, dismantled in the 1960s, has now been fully restored and is on display in all its glory.

Belgian Art Deco is presented in the same gallery. This style was brought to international prominence in 1925 through the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris, where Belgium’s contributions received widespread acclaim. Visitors can trace echoes of this historic event in the works on display, along with numerous other remarkable examples of the Art Deco style as it flourished during the interwar period. The exhibition circuit concludes around the year 1940.

The unique Art Nouveau and Art Deco collections of the Art & History Museum have developed over time through both historic and strategic acquisitions and long-term loans, with artistic quality always taking centre stage.

Decorative arts from the 19th century

The second new gallery, measuring approximately 500 square metres, is dedicated to the decorative arts of the 19th century. The display follows the evolution of styles such as Empire, Neo-Gothic, and Japonism - an important precursor to Art Nouveau.

In addition, the exhibition explores key societal changes through thematic sections. Topics include industrialization, transportation, leisure, the growing attention to children, and the subdivision of domestic interiors into specialized living spaces - primarily viewed through the lens of the bourgeois social class.

This gallery also features several exceptional masterpieces. Notably, furniture crafted by the French Jacob family, which was used during the Duchess of Richmond’s ball on the eve of the Battle of Quatre Bras - just three days before the decisive Battle of Waterloo. Also on view are candlesticks by the prestigious Parisian silversmith Odiot, from the estate of Count Thierry de Looz-Corswarem, on loan from the King Baudouin Foundation.

With this new presentation, the 19th century shines in full glory, brought to life through numerous Belgian and international creations.

Activities

28.04.25
Preview for cultural associations in French and in Dutch (subscribe)

13.06.25 - 15.06.25
Opening weekend with free entrance (more info)

01.07.25 - 31.08.25
Family trail as part of Fly's treasures (more info)

13 & 14.08.2025
Two-day masterclass for adults (more info)

18.10.25
Museum Night Fever (more info soon)

Contact

Werner Adriaenssens - Art Nouveau and Belgian Art Deco
w.adriaenssens@kmkg-mrah.be

Sophie Balace - Decorative arts of the 19th century
s.balace@kmkg-mrah.be