Hotel Otlet

The Hôtel Otlet is a historic townhouse in Brussels, built between 1894 and 1898 in the Art Nouveau style. The architect Octave van Rysselberghe designed the building for the lawyer, bibliographer, and entrepreneur Paul Otlet. It marks the architect's cautious first step into this new style, which is distinguished by a very restrained aesthetic and deliberately distances itself from the lavish Rococo-inspired elements favored by other Art Nouveau artists. The building stands at the corner of Rue de Florence and Rue de Livourne, just a few steps from Avenue Louise, and has been classified as a protected monument since 1984.

The architecture impresses with a carefully crafted facade of golden Savonnières stone, while the ground floor is made of blue stone. A characteristic feature is the deliberate abandonment of symmetry, created by the dynamic interplay of projecting and recessed volumes such as oriel windows, balconies, and loggias. This asymmetry is held together harmoniously by horizontal lines at the base and the cornice zone. The facades are joined by a corner window and show a subtle connection between the various architectural elements.

Inside, a large stained-glass window with floral motifs stands out; it separates the living space from the grand staircase and also lights it. The renowned architect Henry van de Velde was involved in designing the interior. Today the restored building, most recently renovated from 2001 to 2003, houses a law firm. It is located in a neighborhood known for its many Art Nouveau masterpieces.