Art Nouveau Cities of the New Century Episode 1 Brussels Victor Horta

Why did Art Nouveau begin in Brussels, and why is Victor Horta considered its first and most radical architect?

In this HENI Talks conversation, art historian Paul Greenhalgh speaks with Benjamin Zurstrassen, Director of the Horta Museum, about the cultural, political, and architectural conditions that allowed Brussels to become the birthplace of Art Nouveau at the end of the 19th century.

The discussion explores how Victor Horta broke with historical styles, pioneering a new architectural language through the innovative use of iron, glass, light, and space — and why his work represents a decisive moment in the emergence of modern architecture.

Across this 15-minute film, Greenhalgh and Zurstrassen
🗺️ Explore:
• Why Brussels was uniquely positioned to generate Art Nouveau
• Victor Horta’s role as the movement’s first architect
• The social and institutional context behind Horta’s commissions
• How Art Nouveau transformed architecture, interiors, and urban life
• Why Horta’s buildings still matter today

📖 If you enjoyed this film and want to learn more about Art Nouveau, you won't want to miss our book ‘Art Nouveau: The Architecture of Modern Life’ by leading expert Paul Greenhalgh.