Stoclet Palace in Brussels

The Palais Stoclet (Stocletpaleis), or Maison Stoclet, is a historic mansion in Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, a municipality of Brussels, Belgium. Designed by Austrian architect Josef Hoffmann for Belgian banker Adolphe Stoclet, it was built from 1905 to 1911 in the Vienna Secession style. Hoffmann’s masterpiece is considered one of the most luxurious private homes of the 20th century. The palace’s dining room and music rooms embody the concept of a Gesamtkunstwerk—a “total work of art.” Hoffmann meticulously followed fashion and the Viennese identity of the new interior design style. He even designed a dress for Madame Stoclet to complement the decor of the living room. The Palais Stoclet remains owned by the Stoclet family and is closed to visitors. Until recently, even experts assisting with restoration were not allowed inside. The building is protected by the Brussels-Capital Region’s Monuments Authority and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009. The palace is located at 279–281 Avenue de Tervuren/Tervurenlaan, Place Leopold II/Plein. Description The Stoclet Palace was designed to look like a stately city mansion from the street. However, when viewed from the backyard, the building “transforms into a country villa.” This combination of urban comfort and country coziness became unique to the Stoclet family. The interior, like the exterior, is designed in a austere yet carefully considered style. Vertical, geometrically precise furniture and a minimal number of superfluous details create a sense of order and harmony. This approach, known as the “Reformed Interior,” was innovative: here, function determined form. The space is adorned with marble panels and works of art. Among them are Gustav Klimt’s Stoclet Frieze—designed by Klimt himself and executed on site by Leopold Forstner—as well as frescoes by Ludwig Heinrich Jungnickel. How to get to? This site is served by Montgomery metro station (line 1), as well as the tram stop Leopold II (lines 39 and 44). See also France travel guide Spain travel guide Catalonia travel guide Pyrenees travel guideThe post Stoclet Palace in Brussels first appeared on All PYRENEES.