Musée & Jardins van Buuren

About the museum

The Art Deco villa, its façade inspired by the Amsterdam School, was built in 1928 for David van Buuren (1886-1955), a banker of Dutch origin who had lived in Brussels since 1909, and for his Belgian wife Alice Piette (1887-1973). The couple furnished it with renowned interior decorators and gathered paintings, carpets, stained glass, rare furniture and sculptures. The interior has remained intact.

In 1970 Alice van Buuren created a private foundation of public utility to which she bequeathed, by will, the house, the works and the gardens: this is the birth of the museum. The collection comprises more than 300 works, from paintings of the 15th to the 20th century (including Belgian and international masters) to tapestries and art objects.

The gardens, covering 1.2 hectares, were designed by Jules Buyssens from 1925 and completed in the 1960s by René Pechère. They include the Jardin pittoresque, two rose gardens, the Labyrinthe, the Jardin du cœur, the Tapis vert and an orchard; they have been listed as a site since 1997.

Highlights

• Art Deco villa of 1928 with the original interior preserved
• More than 300 works, from the 15th to the 20th century, including La Chute d'Icare (circle of Bruegel the Elder)
• Carpets, stained glass and tapestries by Jaap Gidding
• 1.2-hectare gardens: Jardin pittoresque, rose gardens and labyrinth
• Listed gardens distinguished with the Europa Nostra award

Permanent exhibitions

• La maison-musée Art déco – Visit of the music room, the black room, the dining room, the study and the studio, with paintings, carpets, stained glass and original furniture.
• Les jardins – Six areas across 1.2 hectares: Jardin pittoresque, two rose gardens, labyrinth, Jardin du cœur, Tapis vert and orchard.

Founded

1970

Admission & discounts

Free for under-12s and holders of museumPASSmusées, the Brussels Card, the ICOM card or the Pass Art nouveau. Payment on site by card only.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: not available
• 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

Because of the building's historic character, access is very difficult for people with reduced mobility: there is no lift, stairs lead to the upper floor, the gardens have steps, and walking frames are not possible inside. Contact the museum before the visit (+32 2 343 48 51), including for assistance dogs. No portable seats are lent.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly: not available
• Baby changing facilities: not available

The museum suits young children, under constant adult supervision. A paid guide adapted for children is available. Pushchairs and back carriers are not allowed: a front carrier is preferred. There is no changing table.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop
• Coat check

No café on site; the Leopold Club café-restaurant is about 3 minutes' walk away. Eating and drinking are prohibited inside. A free cloakroom is mandatory for all bags; umbrellas are left at the entrance.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

The gardens can be privatised, with a temporary pavilion of 240 m² that can host up to 300 guests (depending on the season), as well as the interior of the house for dinners and small-group events.

Plan your visit