Guided Tour of the Hôtel Solvay
Back by popular demand, given the fact that the September visit sold out in 24 hours, we are again offering you the magnificent opportunity for a very special guided visit to the Hôtel Solvay on Avenue Louise on Saturday, May 17. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Monument, the Solvay House is one of the major town houses of the architect Victor Horta. In 1894, the chemical magnate, Armand Solvay, hired Horta to build a home for his bride. Solvay gave Horta unlimited freedom of creation and unrestricted funding for the project.
The Solvay House greatly contributed to Horta’s rising reputation as a world-class architect. His new focus on the innate vitality of people led him to change many accepted practices. He adapted and altered metal frames used in industrial structures to bring radically new qualities to the inner space of a home.
These innovations are all directed towards enhancing the life of those who live in the house. What strikes the visitor to this wonderful building is its luminous space, in which light filters through from everywhere, softened by the carefully arranged coloration of the walls, the floor coverings, and the glasswork.
Our guide will again be Mrs. Lieve Dejonghe, an art historian, who has been our guide for several exhibits this past year.
Please note that this visit is limited to 22 people and is a Members Priority visit. Non-members may only sign up as of May 5.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, May 17, 2014
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Place: Hôtel Solvay, Avenue Louise 224, 1050 Brussels
Price: €40 for members, €50 for non-members.
Public Transportation: Trams 81 and 94: Bailli; bus 54: Bailli; bus 38: Vleurgat.
Sign up: Reservations are due by noon on Wednesday, May 14 by email (info@americanclubbrussels.org), online at www.americanclubbrussels.org, or by telephone to the ACB Office Manager (02/219.58.08). Please note that non-members may only sign up as of May 5. Payment to ACB at BE55427919588144 (KREDBEBB) will confirm your reservation. Be sure to mention “Solvay” in the communications section of the virement. Cancellations are possible until noon on Wednesday, May 14. Participants cancelling after this time, as well as no-shows, are charged the full cost of the event.
