The Victor Horta pavilion in Brussels’ Jubelpark has reopened this summer, attracting significant attention. This iconic building, designed by Horta in his youth to house Jef Lambeaux’s controversial relief on human passions, had been mostly closed since its inauguration in 1899. On 2025-08-01 15:29:00, the pavilion welcomed thousands of visitors eager to explore this hidden gem.
- Victor Horta designed pavilion for controversial relief
- Pavilion remained mostly closed since 1899
- Summer reopening attracted 9,650 visitors so far
- Educational material explains pavilion’s history and controversy
- Horizon 50-200 leads Jubelpark site revitalization
- Free daily access until August 31, no reservation
For decades, the relief was only visible through a small peephole in the wooden door, sparking curiosity and debate. Now, locals and tourists alike can freely discover the artwork and learn about the tension between Horta and Lambeaux, as well as the historical controversies surrounding the piece. Could this reopening change how Brussels embraces its artistic heritage?
With free daily access until 31 August, the pavilion offers educational materials that deepen visitors’ understanding. How does this temporary opening fit into a broader plan for the Jubelpark site’s future? The answer lies in upcoming national celebrations.
Why has the pavilion remained closed for so long, and why reopen now? The temporary reopening is part of a revitalization effort led by vzw Horizon 50-200, aiming to prepare the Jubelpark museums for Belgium’s 200th anniversary in 2030. This initiative highlights several key points:
- The pavilion’s reopening has been an unexpected success, drawing nearly 10,000 visitors since 1 July.
- It offers a rare chance to see a historically controversial artwork in full, moving beyond the limited peephole view.
- Educational resources provide context on the artistic and historical significance of both Horta’s design and Lambeaux’s relief.
- Despite budget constraints, Horizon 50-200 is committed to enhancing the Jubelpark’s cultural sites, including the Royal Army Museum and Autoworld.
As the pavilion’s doors remain open through August, Brussels residents and visitors are encouraged to experience this unique blend of art and history firsthand. Will this renewed access inspire further appreciation and preservation of Belgium’s artistic treasures? Only time will tell, but the momentum is clearly building.
