Villa Empain

Tucked away on the lush avenue Franklin Roosevelt, Villa Empain is a pristine jewel of 1930s architecture that doubles as a quiet, contemplative sanctuary for contemporary art.

What to expect — what visitors actually see/do

Stepping inside the Villa is a lesson in geometric restraint and expensive materiality. Visitors move through the grand foyer, where the original polished marble floors and wrought-iron details remain immaculate. The space hosts rotating temporary exhibitions that often focus on dialogues between East and West, using the architecture as a silent co-curator.

Do not miss the upper floors, where you can inspect the finer details of the interior design, including the original bathroom tiling and the bespoke woodworking. Once you have seen the interior, head to the back. The rear terrace opens up to an expansive, L-shaped swimming pool lined with dark granite, surrounded by a manicured, symmetrical garden. It is one of the mostphotogenic and serene spots in Brussels, particularly on a bright afternoon when the sun reflects off the black stone.

History & significance — brief background

Commissioned in 1930 by the young aristocrat Baron Louis Empain, the villa was designed by Swiss architect Michel Polak. It is widely considered one of the finest Art Deco masterpieces in Europe. Following a tumultuous mid-century—serving as a Soviet embassy and later the broadcasting headquarters for the RTL—the building fell into disrepair. It was rescued and meticulously restored by the Boghossian Foundation, which reopened the site in 2010 to promote artistic exchange. The architecture remains a testament to the "Golden Age" of the 1930s, prioritizing symmetry, noble materials, and clean, industrial-inspired lines.

Practical tips — opening hours norms, tickets, queues, best time of day

Opening Hours: Typically closed on Mondays. General hours are Tuesday through Sunday, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Tickets: Entry is usually around €10-€12. Check the official Boghossian Foundation website for exhibition-specific pricing.
Queueing: Unlike the Magritte Museum or the Atomium, Villa Empain rarely suffers from crushing crowds.
Best Time: Aim for weekday mornings or Friday afternoons. You will likely have the garden to yourself, allowing for a contemplative stroll around the pool.

Getting there — neighbourhood, transport

The Villa is located in the upscale Ixelles/Uccle border area.

Tram: Take Tram 8 or 25 to the "Solbosch" or "Marie-José" stops. It is a short, pleasant walk from there.
Bus: Bus lines 71 and 72 also serve the vicinity.
Car: Street parking is available, but be mindful of the strict residential parking regulations in this part of Brussels.

Nearby — 2-3 sights or eats within walking distance