Many different architectural styles can be found in Brussels, and monuments symbolize the successive stages of its rich history.
The magnificent Cathedral of Sts-Michel-and-Gudule, inspired by famous French cathedrals such as Notre-Dame-de-Paris, is a good example of Gothic architecture (13th to 15th century) in Brussels. It was restored in the last decade and was used to celebrate events such as the funeral of former King Baudouin Ier or the wedding of the Prince heir Philippe. The City Hall on the Grand’Place and the church Notre-Dame-du-Sablon are other examples of Gothic architecture.
The architecture style of most of the other monuments of the Grand’Place/Grote Markt is Baroque (17th century), re-built after the bombing by the French in 1695 and restored in the 19th century. These landmark guild houses are richly decorated with sculptures, gables and gold patterns.
Neoclassical architecture gains importance in the 18th century with the Place Royale and the Royal Palace (in front of beautiful Brussels Park), and flourishes in the 19th in Brussels with the Royal Theater “La Monnaie – De Munt” for example. The Palace of Justice, Brussels’ law courts is an imitation of ancient Greek-Roman style and it dominates the city skyline.
Very typical and unique of Brussels is the Art Nouveau style with its genius master, Victor Horta. Many facades of houses around the neighborhoods of Brussels were built in the late 18th – early 19th century, following the Art Nouveau style, which bases itself on nature (floral patterns and decorations, plant-like curving lines) and makes use of cast-iron, glass and steel. Examples of Art Nouveau masterpieces are the Horta House (hosting the Horta Museum), the Old England (hosting the Musical instruments museum) and the “Magasins Waucquez” (now hosting the Belgian Center for Comic Strip Art). The streets to the west of Avenue Louise have more examples of the style; but most are only on view from the outside, as they are still lived in. A notable exception to this is Hotel Hannon, which uses the spectacular interior as a gallery space. A word of warning - there is dog mess on many of the streets, so watch where you walk!
In the 20th century, the Art Nouveau style evolves into the Art Deco and Modern styles. Famous monuments of that period are the Basilica of Koekelberg, the newly restored Flagey building (which now houses concerts and movie festivals) and the Center for Fine Arts (Palais des Beaux-Arts/Paleis voor Schone Kunsten).
Not to be missed for amateurs of old stones and architecture: every year in September, during the Heritage days (“Journées du Patrimoine”), many historical buildings that are usually not open to the public can be visited.
