Best known for its Art Nouveau masterpieces, Belgium was one of prominent participant of the 1925 Paris Exposition des Arts Decoratifs with a pavilion designed by Victor Horta himself, who embraced with enthusiasm the new style. The success of the Exposition was such that in the following years Brussels became a beacon for the architectural and artistic experimentation of Art Deco, which embodied a new way of living and organising the society.

This talk will examine the great Art Deco heritage of Belgium and of Brussels in particular, through a selection of works and the story of some of the main characters of this artistic journey. It will show how the passage to Art Deco in Belgium was built on the fertile ground laid by early experimentations, like the UNESCO listed Palais Stoclet, and developed in original forms.

The talk will also illustrate the rich programme of cultural events that the Brussels Capital Region is planning for 2025, which has been declared the Brussels Year of Art Deco. Taking advantage of the Art Deco World Congress that will take place in Paris in fall 2025 Brussels and this rich cultural offer the perfect post-congress destination for art deco enthusiasts. What better location for this special talk than at the Consulate General of Belgium. Following the talk there will be a wine reception.

Join the Art Deco Society of New York later in the month on June 23rd for a tour of "The Art Deco Canyons of Wall Street." More details here!