Autrique House (Maison Autrique)
Chaussée de Haecht 266, Schaerbeek, BEL
Built in 1893, the Autrique House in Brussels was the first townhouse designed by Belgian architect Victor Horta, a pioneer of the early 20th-century art nouveau movement. Now restored to its original glory and open to visitors, the house is a key part of Brussels’ rich turn-of-the-century architectural heritage.
Created by Victor Horta for the engineer Eugene Autrique and his family, the Autrique House provides an insight into the architect’s early work and the birth of the art nouveau style. Visitors can explore the main, restored areas, including the entry hall, kitchen, library, staircase, and upper floors. Each of the rooms has been returned to its original glory, with furnishings and fixtures of the time set against Horta’s architectural touches such as stained glass and metalwork.
Guided tours can be booked in advance and include live narration on Horta’s artistry for those wanting to appreciate the house in more depth. Otherwise, visitors buy an admission ticket to roam as they wish. Admission to the house is free with the Brussels Card: consider purchasing the sightseeing pass online before traveling to Belgium’s capital to save yourself time and hassle while you’re there.
- The Autrique House is a must for Victor Horta, art nouveau, architecture, and history enthusiasts.
- Plan for around 45 minutes to look around.
- The house is not wheelchair- or stroller-friendly.
- Visitors are asked to ring the doorbell to gain entry, just as they would when visiting a private house.
The Autrique House is located at 266 Chaussee de Haecht/Haachtsesteenweg in the Schaerbeek area of Brussels. The easiest way to get there is by public transport as local parking can be difficult: take the #25 or #62 tram or the #65 or #66 bus to the nearby Schaerbeek Robiano stop.
The house is open 12pm to 6pm from Wednesdays to Sundays, with the last admission at 5:30pm. It’s closed on Tuesdays and public holidays. While it’s hardly ever busy, aim to arrive later in the afternoon on a weekday to explore during the quietest times.
Much of the Autrique House’s beauty and significance lies in its detail. As well as Horta’s unmissable stained glass skylights above the main staircase, take time to study the less-obvious features such as the beautifully turned stair banisters, vaulted wooden ceilings, and ornate radiators.
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