Iconic Houses

Welcome at Iconic Houses: Palais de la F***e Chanson in Brussels!

The Palais de la F***e Chanson (1928) is architect Antoine Courtens’ Art Deco masterpiece, distinguished by its dramatic semicircular corner rotunda, star-shaped campanile, reinforced-concrete structure, luxurious materials, and elegant geometric composition, making it one of Brussels’ finest and best-preserved interwar apartment buildings.

Explore Palais de la F***e Chanson here >>
https://www.iconichouses.org/houses/palais-de-la-folle-chanson

Welcome at Iconic Houses: Palais de la F***e Chanson in Brussels!

The Palais de la F***e Chanson (1928) is architect Antoine Courtens' Art Deco masterpiece, distinguished by its dramatic semicircular corner rotunda, star-shaped campanile, reinforced-concrete structure, luxurious materials, and elegant geometric composition, making it one of Brussels' finest and best-preserved interwar apartment buildings.

Explore Palais de la F***e Chanson here >>
https://www.iconichouses.org/houses/palais-de-la-folle-chanson

Palais de la F***e Chanson Antoine Courtens 1928, Belgium

ICONIC READS – NEW: Robert Mallet-Stevens: La Villa Cavrois

A masterpiece of modernist architecture, Villa Cavrois embodies the ideal of the "modern château" envisioned by Robert Mallet-Stevens in the early 1930s. Conceived as a total work of art, it combines geometric rigor, understated luxury, and technical innovation, offering a radically new vision of modern living.

This monograph provides an in-depth exploration of the villa, from its conception for the Cavrois family to its spectacular restoration in the twenty-first century. Enhanced by thematic features and interviews, it includes a conversation with Michel Goutal, Chief Architect for Historic Monuments, who oversaw the restoration of both the villa and its surrounding park.

Both a definitive reference work and an engaging introduction, this volume invites readers to rediscover an iconic landmark where architecture, design, and landscape exist in perfect harmony, demonstrating the enduring modernity of Mallet-Stevens's vision.

Find more books on Iconic Houses in our books section here >> https://www.iconichouses.org/books

New at Iconic Houses: Maison Spruyt!

Maison Spruyt (1954) in Vilvoorde, Belgium (just 30 minutes from Brussels), is a refined post-war modernist townhouse by architects Lucien Engels and Roger De Winter, distinguished by its monumental geometric façade, recessed entrance, steel-framed windows, glass-block detailing, and elevated cornice.

Explore Maison Spruyt here >> https://www.iconichouses.org/houses/maison-spruyt

Maison Spruyt Roger De Winter and Lucien Engels 1954, Belgium

AALTO WORKS SERIES INSCRIBED ON THE UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE LIST

Congratulations to the Alvar Aalto Foundation, whose dedication and hard work made this remarkable achievement possible.

The Aalto Works series, comprising thirteen sites designed by Alvar, Aino and Elissa Aalto across Finland, has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Five of the newly inscribed sites are house museums that are also members of the Iconic Houses network.

You can explore them here:
• Stay overnight at the Paimio Sanatorium >> https://www.iconichouses.org/specials/paimio-sanatorium
• Villa Mairea >> https://www.iconichouses.org/houses/villa-mairea
• The Aalto House, Studio Aalto and Muuatsalo Experimental House >> https://www.iconichouses.org/specials/alvar-aalto

Aalto Works series inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List - Alvar Aalto Foundation | Alvar Aalto -säätiö The Aalto Works series, comprising thirteen architectural sites, has been added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The set of sites reveals the key role played by Alvar, Aino and Elissa Aalto’s modern architecture, which is characterised by a humane approach to design. The decision to approve it f...

Art Nouveau versus Art Deco?
1850–1950: One Century, 31 Chairs

Can a single chair tell the story of an era?

This thought-provoking exhibition brings together 31 exceptional chairs to explore a century of artistic innovation. Moving beyond the familiar distinction between Art Nouveau and Art Deco, it reveals the dialogue, evolution and enduring connections between five generations of architects and designers.

More than a history of furniture, the exhibition offers a fresh perspective on design, the decorative arts, and the changing ways we live, create and inhabit space.

25 June 2026 – 10 January 2027
Horta Museum
27 Rue Américaine, Saint-Gilles, Brussels

Presented in collaboration with the Municipality of Saint-Gilles, urban.brussels and the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, with the support of the National Lottery and its players.

Admission to the exhibition is free during the museum’s opening hours. Please note that admission to the Horta House Museum is separate and requires advance booking.

A must-see for anyone interested in architecture, design and the rich dialogue between two defining artistic movements.

Art nouveau versus Art déco ?
1850 / 1950 : 1 siècle, 31 sièges

Et si un siège pouvait raconter un siècle de création ?

À travers 31 pièces, l’exposition invite à dépasser les catégories familières de l’Art nouveau et de l’Art déco pour explorer les liens, les ruptures et les continuités entre cinq générations d’architectes, de créatrices et de créateurs.

Une traversée du design, des arts décoratifs et de nos manières d’habiter le monde.

En collaboration avec la Commune de Saint-Gilles, urban.brussels et la Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, avec le soutien de et de ses joueurs.

25 juin 2026 - 10 janvier 2027
Musée Horta, 27 rue Américaine, Saint-Gilles
Accès gratuit à l’exposition pendant les heures d’ouverture du musée.
Cet accès ne comprend pas la visite de la maison-musée, qui reste soumise à réservation et à billetterie.

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Art nouveau versus art deco?
1850 / 1950: 1 eeuw, 31 zetels

Wat als een zetel een hele eeuw creatie kon vertellen?

Aan de hand van 31 stukken nodigt de tentoonstelling uit om verder te kijken dan de vertrouwde categorieën van art nouveau en art deco, en de verbanden, breuklijnen en continuïteiten tussen vijf generaties architecten, ontwerpsters en ontwerpers te ontdekken.

Een reis door design, toegepaste kunsten en onze manieren van wonen.

In samenwerking met Commune de Saint-Gilles, urban.brussels en Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, met de steun van en haar spelers.

25 juni 2026 - 10 januari 2027
Horta Museum, Amerikaansestraat 27, Sint-Gillis
Gratis toegang tot de tentoonstelling tijdens de openingsuren van het museum.
Deze toegang omvat geen bezoek aan het huis-museum. Hiervoor blijven reservatie en ticket verplicht.

A series of 13 Finnish Aalto sites has been nominated for the UNESCO World Heritage List!

This remarkable nomination recognises sites that played a pivotal role in shaping the Finnish welfare state between the 1920s and 1970s, while also making a lasting impact on the development of modern architecture around the world. It is the first collection of modern architecture from Finland ever proposed for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

At Iconic Houses, we are especially proud that five of these exceptional sites are part of our international network of house museums. Their inclusion in this nomination highlights not only Alvar and Aino Aalto's extraordinary legacy, but also the importance of preserving these houses as places where architecture, history, and culture come alive.

Over the coming weeks, we'll be taking a closer look at each of these five houses, exploring what makes them so special and why they possess such outstanding universal value.

We wish the Aalto Foundation every success as the nomination process continues. We know how much dedication, expertise, and hard work has gone into this achievement, and we sincerely hope these exceptional sites receive the well-deserved recognition of inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

🍀 A decision is expected in July 2026, when the UNESCO World Heritage Committee convenes in Busan, South Korea.

EXHIBITION Breuer, Goldfinger and Other Hungarians – Brutalist Architecture In and Beyond Hungary

Venue: Walter Rózsi Villa, Budapest, Hungary
*📍 Bajza utca 10
🗓 March 13 – December 20, 2026

Breuer, Goldfinger and Other Magyars at Budapest's Walter Rózsi Villa explores Hungarian Brutalism through photographs, drawings, and models. The exhibition also features highlights from the Hungarian Museum of Architecture's newly acquired Marcel Breuer Collection, on view until 20 December 2026.

Read further >> https://www.iconichouses.org/news/breuer-goldfinger-and-other-hungarians-brutalist-architecture-in-and-beyond-hungary

HISTORIC BOULDER - Month of Modern Architecture Tour 2026
September 12 @ 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

SAVE THE DATE: September 12th 2026

Month of Modern’s Homes Tour returns in 2026 with a tour of homes reflect the rich diversity of livable, innovative architecture and design showcasing modern architecture at its finest.

One day only, attendees will be given a rare chance to walk through the interiors of very special private homes in Boulder. This self-guided tour features distinct residences chosen to inspire design professionals and enthusiasts alike.

https://historicboulder.org/event/month-of-modern-architecture-tour-2026/