Hotel Gresham
Address Place Royale
City/Neighborhood Brussels
Style(s)
- Art Nouveau
- Floral Art Nouveau
Original use
- Offices
Année 1900
Architect(s) and/or artist(s)
- Govaerts Léon Jean Joseph
Remarkable elements
- Stained glass
- Sgrafittes
- Mosaics
- Ironwork
It was in a building built in 1780 in the Austrian style of the time, consistent with the four corners of the Place Royale, that the English insurance company Gresham was established in 1900.
The latter commissioned Léon Govaerts to renovate the interior to set up its Belgian branch there.
We are in the middle of the Art Nouveau period, the architect designed a rather exceptional entrance, preceded by a vestibule decorated with a large presentation panel of the insurance company, in pure Art Nouveau style, very well preserved.
The Great Hall which follows is magnificent with its curved staircase in veined white marble, its stained glass windows with floral motifs, its two curved walls decorated with stained glass, and sgraffito with plant motifs.
Beautiful stylish sconces illuminate this interior.
Even the elevator shaft has remained unchanged and testifies to this very particular style.
The adjoining vestibule also has a series of letterboxes, very Art Nouveau. The set has been preserved and very well preserved.
Visitors to the Museum of Fine Arts and its Museum shop exit through this magnificent hall.
BRU75 - Unless otherwise stated © www.admirable-artnouveau.be for all photos