Hôtel Solvay
Art Nouveau mansion by Victor Horta (1894–1903) on the avenue Louise, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, open for self-guided and guided visits.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Hôtel Solvay was designed from 1894 by Victor Horta for Armand Solvay, son of the industrialist Ernest Solvay, who wanted a family home on the avenue Louise. The client gave the architect great freedom and a very generous budget: Horta designed not only the structure but also the furniture, light fittings and every detail of the decor. The building permit dates from 1895, the main structure was completed in 1898, and the interior fitting-out continued until 1903.
In 1958 the house was bought by Louis and Berthe Wittamer, who set up their haute couture workshops there before devoting themselves from 1976 to the restoration and conservation of the building. Since 1983 the house, by then privately owned, has opened on request for guided tours. Since 2000 the Hôtel Solvay has been on UNESCO's World Heritage List, together with three other major Horta residences.
In 2021 its status as a museum was recognised and a ticket office for individual visitors was set up. From 2022 to 2024 the façade was restored; the roof and glass canopies were then worked on, and the restored façade was unveiled in October 2024. In 2025 the house marked the 25th anniversary of its inscription on the UNESCO list.
Highlights
- Carriage gateway and the Salon d'Honneur on the ground floor
- Dining room and salons on the bel étage (first floor)
- Solvay private apartments (guided tour)
- Furniture and decor designed entirely by Victor Horta
- House on the UNESCO World Heritage List
Permanent exhibition
- Visite de l'Hôtel Solvay – Visit of the state rooms on the ground floor and the bel étage, with the furniture and decor designed by Horta; the guided tour continues up to the private apartments.
- Founded
- 2021
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €19 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €15Students |
| Children & teens | –Children under 10 are not admitted. |
| Students & apprentices | €15Student rate for the self-guided visit. |
| Groups | –Guided group tour with a historian: €40 (1 hour); private tour for a group of your choice: €900 per group, optimal size 23 people, maximum three groups at the same time in the house. |
| Guided group tour with a historian (1 hour) | €40Up to the 3rd floor, including the private apartments; children under 10 not admitted |
| Private guided tour (per group) | €900On request from the museum; ideally a group of 23 people |
Rate for the self-guided visit (about 40 minutes): €19 full price, €15 for students. Tickets online.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The self-guided visit covers the ground floor and the bel étage; the guided tour goes up to the 3rd floor.
Kids & families
Only partly suitable for kidsRecommended for ages 10+
| Time needed | approx. 40 min |
|---|
Children under 10 are not admitted, either to the self-guided visit or to guided tours.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Bailli
Metro 2 and 6; trams 8, 81 and 93; buses 38, 54 and 60. Nearest tram stop: Bailli.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
The house can be hired for a dinner or a corporate or family event, on request via the form on the website or at info@hotelsolvay.be.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The self-guided visit is done without a guide: a document (paper or QR code) is handed out at the start of the visit, in French, Dutch and English. It begins with the carriage gateway, the Salon d'Honneur and the ground-floor rooms, and continues with the dining room and salons of the bel étage. The guided group tour (1 hour) is led by a historian. |
