In Brussels, Horta's house-studio has regained all its splendor.

From the mosaic floor to the monumental glass roof of the stairwell, including the woodwork and ironwork, everything was designed according to a palette of rust, orange, and beige tones that immediately captivates the visitor. A world of curves and arabesques that forged the international renown of the architect (1861-1947).

"We are in a completely orchestrated interior, a total work of art," enthuses Benjamin Zurstrassen, curator of the place which became a museum in 1969, after its purchase by the Brussels municipality of Saint-Gilles.

The restoration currently underway, the third since its construction, consists of "taking care of a 130-year-old lady," he continues. Victor Horta lived there for twenty years, at the very beginning of the 20th century, after acquiring two neighboring plots in 1898 in order to establish both his residence and his workspace.

The project is distinguished by the breadth of expertise involved. Carpenters, painters, and restorers specializing in glass, stone, and textiles are all working to breathe new life into this exceptional ensemble. "We've rarely seen such a concentration of trades," remarks Mr. Zurstrassen.

Tourist attraction

On the day an AFP team was invited to the site, a sculpture restorer was busy delicately removing, with a scalpel, a layer of grey paint added in the 1960s-1970s to the bas-reliefs adorning the dining room, the centerpiece of the reception floor.

The aim is to "rediscover the first pictorial touch common to the six bas-reliefs," explains Marianne Decroly... In a white or creamy white tone much more in harmony with the glazed bricks of the walls and ceiling.

To reach these elevated reliefs, interior scaffolding had to be erected and the room completely emptied of its furniture. A demanding task, where every movement had to be perfectly controlled.

"Underneath this rather sad grey layer, we really see the quality of these reliefs thanks to this slightly glossy paint" corresponding to the original finish, adds the restorer.

Today, the Horta Museum is one of four buildings in Brussels designed by the architect and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Belgian capital has made it one of its major cultural attractions to draw visitors from all over the world.

Costing a total of €800.000 and financed by regional funds, the restoration program initially focuses on the street-facing façade and the interior of the house. From 2027, the work will extend to the creation of a new reception area in the former workshop, with planned access to the garden.

The museum remains open to the public throughout the construction period, by prior reservation. Guided tours can be arranged with the artisans present to showcase their expertise.