Doesn’t H\u00f4tel Deprez-Van de Velde stand proud. This Art Nouveau masterpiece whispers tales of artistry and transformation.
H\u00f4tel Deprez-Van de Velde stands on the corner of Palmerston Avenue and Boduognat Street. Victor Horta designed this grand house in 1896. It was commissioned by Georges Deprez. He was the director of Cristalleries du Val Saint-Lambert.
The building’s history is layered. In 1910, the H\u00f4tel Deprez-Van de Velde underwent significant changes. The new owner employed architects M. and R. Genard. They rebuilt parts of the facade and completely revised the interior.
Of Horta’s original design, only some parts remain. These include the two bays on the left side of Palmerston Avenue. Also, the corner and the central bay with the entrance door on Boduognat Street.
The Palmerston facade was transformed. The adjacent house was demolished. The bay with the entrance door and column balcony were removed.
However, Horta’s style was respected. Windows with basket-handle shapes and alternating blue and white stone plinths were retained.
The Boduognat Street side was completely revised. An exception was made for the central span. The remarkable entrance door was preserved. It retains all the sculpted stonework typical of Horta.
In 1959, architect Jean Delhaye added a floor to the Palmerston section from 1910. This matched Horta’s original design. This happened after several rejected projects.
The interior of H\u00f4tel Deprez-Van de Velde has been completely transformed into office spaces. Despite the changes over the years, the building’s recognizable Horta signature remains. It is a testament to his enduring influence.
The transformed building was listed as a monument in 1971. It is in reasonably good condition.
Look at the facade on Boduognat Street. It features a remarkable entrance door. It is one of the most beautiful examples of Art Nouveau in Brussels. The door is flanked by two side windows under a sloping arch. It is set in an exceptional blue stone frame. A large, slightly broken arch crowns the frame. Its coffers are decorated with sculpted plant motifs. The whiplash line triumphs here.
This monumental entrance is topped by a bay. It has concave sides. It rises to the top floor.
Another important element is the sculpted decoration on the corner. Plant motifs in the form of long leaves gradually detach. They emerge from the blue stone base. They flourish on both sides of the building’s corner. They extend in a ribbon toward the neighboring windows.
The H\u00f4tel Deprez-Van de Velde stands as a reminder of Brussels’ rich architectural heritage. It showcases the evolution of Art Nouveau. It also illustrates the impact of subsequent modifications. It is a building where different eras and visions intertwine.