Pavilion of Human Passions
An iconic Place in the Cinquantenaire Park
In the Cinquantenaire Park stands a small building with the allure of a Greek temple. For the young Victor Horta, it was his first public commission. Inside, it houses the monumental relief The Human Passions by Jef Lambeaux. This striking artwork - 11 metres long and 6 metres high - carved in smooth Carrara marble, vividly portrays the pleasures and sufferings of humanity.
Since 1898, Victor Horta’s neoclassical, temple-like pavilion and Jef Lambeaux’s monumental white marble relief have been inseparably linked in the Parc du Cinquantenaire. The strained collaboration between the two artists, the sensuously writhing nudes, and the building’s frequent closure due to its delicate condition have all contributed to the story, the scandal, and the enduring mystery surrounding the pavilion.
Since 2015, both the building and the relief have been carefully cleaned and restored.
How to Visit?
- During a guided tour for individuals, held on the last Sunday of each month (see calendar)
- With a guide during a group tour (see practical info below)
Practical information for guided group tours
- Price: €117,50 + €2,50 per participant (max. 15 participants per group)
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Reservation: At least 3 weeks in advance via this webform
- Starting point: reception desk of the Art & History Museum