The imposing facade of Hotel Hannon greets you. Its white brick limestone and blue stone create a striking contrast. This isn’t just a house. It’s a masterpiece of Art Nouveau a testament to a bygone era.
Hotel Hannon was built between 1903 and 1904. It was commissioned by Edouard Hannon an engineer for the prominent Solvay company. Hannon was a man of diverse talents. He was also a painter an art critic and a photographer. He entrusted the design of his dream home to his friend Jules Brunfaut. Brunfaut’s design is unique. It’s the only Art Nouveau house he ever created.
The Hotel Hannon stands at a pivotal point. It sits at the intersection of Avenue de la Jonction and Avenue Brugmann. It’s a striking example of Art Nouveau architecture. The facade is asymmetrical. It features a play of volumes and recesses. A large bay window dominates one side. It showcases stained glass by Raphael Evaldre. A zinc roof tops the oriel window. The corner features a remarkable wrought iron balcony. A bas-relief by Victor Rousseau adorns the upper level. The sculpture is titled La Fileuse The Spinner. It’s an allegory of Time.
The interior is equally impressive. It’s a blend of Belgian and French Art Nouveau styles. The furniture was designed by Emile Galle and Louis Majorelle. Frescoes by Paul Albert Baudouin decorate the smoking room and stair hall. The ironwork on the staircase is by Pierre Desmedt. The stained glass is another masterpiece by Raphael Evaldre. The entire interior was designed to be a symbolist and dreamlike universe. It perfectly reflects the tastes of Edouard and Marie Hannon.
The house wasn’t always so well-preserved. After the death of Edouard’s daughter in 1965 it was abandoned. It faced vandalism and even threatened demolition. Luckily Jules Brunfaut’s daughter intervened. She contacted the Royal Commission of Monuments and Sites. Her efforts led to the building’s exterior being classified as a protected monument in 1976. The municipality of Saint-Gilles acquired the Hotel in 1979. The interior received protection in 1983. Extensive renovations followed between 1984 and 1989. The Hotel Hannon has served various purposes. For a time it housed the Espace photographique Contretype. Now fully renovated it stands as a museum showcasing its Art Nouveau beauty. It even features the original Emile Galle furniture. It’s a house that tells a story a story of artistry perseverance and a love for Art Nouveau. The Hotel Hannon stands as a captivating reminder of Brussels rich cultural heritage.