Résidence Palace

Another breathtaking example of Art Deco in Brussels, hidden jewel within the European quarter. Built after the plans of Swiss architect Michel Polak, it opened its doors in 1927. 

Résidence Palace is a complex of buildings situated between rue de la Loi and Chaussée d'Etterbeek. The oldest building consists of 180 luxury apartments of 3 to 20 rooms each. Apart from that, the complex hosts conference rooms, a press centre, a pool, Turkish baths and a theatre. 

My personal favourite is the restaurant on the ground floor. The cherry on the cake is the ceramic fountain in the patio, of Andalusian inspiration. A perfect venue if you want to impress your date...

Address: rue de la Loi 155, 1040 Brussels

Le Palais de la Folle Chanson

Another less known example of Art Deco in Brussels.

I was struck by its elegant whiteness. It was built in 1928 after the plans of the architect Antoine Courtens, one of Victor Horta's students. Victor Horta is mainly known as the father of Art Nouveau in Brussels, but few know that two important Art Deco buildings were designed by the latter: le Palais des Beaux-Arts and the Central Station. 

The palace is actually an apartment building with many windows and a rotunda on the corner. Its name is pure poetry: the Palace of the Mad Song (after the name of one of the roads it is situated on). The building holds luxury flats. The  apartments facing l'Avenue de la Folle Chanson even contain a boudoir and a dressing. 

By the way, what do you prefer? Art Nouveau or Art Deco? Personally, I prefer Art Deco, as I think it's rougher and has more personality. 

Address: corner between Boulevard Général Jacques and l'Avenue de la Folle Chanson.

Villa Empain

I discovered Villa Empain during a photo shoot with my friend, Laurent, on a cold November day. 

It is difficult to put into words the beauty of this place. The Art Deco jewel is owned by the Boghossian Foundation, belonging to a Lebanese family with Armenian roots. It hosts amazing exhibitions, concerts and conferences. 

An oval pool in the rear seems to have a decorative role. But my favourite element in the whole building is a former bathroom on the first floor, covered in mosaic of different shades of green and turquoise. 

Address: avenue Franklin Roosevelt 67