Villa Empain: refined Art Deco luxury
The resurrection of a palace with nine lives
Villa Empain is one of Brussels' most enchanting Art Deco gems. Commissioned by Baron Louis Empain, son of the successful industrialist Edouard Empain, and designed by architect Michel Polak, the villa exudes exceptional elegance with its symmetrical forms, luxurious materials, and iconic swimming pool in the garden. Villa Empain has had an eventful history and was purchased by the Boghossian Foundation in 2006. The building was listed in 2007 and its restoration, carried out under the supervision of the Foundation, was awarded the Europa Nostra Prize. Since 2010, Villa Empain has become a vibrant meeting place where Eastern and Western cultures come together.
During a guided tour, you will discover not only the refined architecture, but also the surprising details that make the building so unique: the marble floors that glow softly in the daylight, the richly decorated salons, and the view of the carefully landscaped garden. In every room, you can feel how craftsmanship and beauty go hand in hand here. Our guide brings the history of the Empain family to life and shows how the villa evolved from a private residence to an international center for art and dialogue.
In addition, temporary exhibitions are a valuable addition to your visit. On request, the interior tour can be combined with these. The guide interweaves the stories of the villa with the exhibition. This makes Villa Empain not only an architectural discovery, but also a cultural experience that leaves you stimulated and inspired—a place you definitely want to see with a guide by your side.
Good to know
Sanitary facilities are available in the building.
The building is accessible to persons with limited mobility, provided that an adapted route is used. Please let us know in advance if your group includes participants with limited mobility.
Reservation and guide fee. We are exempt from VAT.
Group tickets for the museum can be purchased on site.
Boghossian Foundation
Villa Empain is owned by the Boghossian Foundation, which was established in 1992 by Robert Boghossian and his two sons Jean and Albert, jewelers of Armenian descent. The foundation's main objectives were education and development.
After a complete restoration, which took four years, Villa Empain opened its doors in 2010 as a Center for Art and Dialogue between Eastern and Western cultures. The center has been managed by Louma Salamé since 2016 and has already welcomed more than 600,000 visitors.
The Fire exhibition is running at Villa Empain until March 1. It highlights the many faces of fire in modern and contemporary art, inviting visitors to enjoy a sophisticated sensory and visual experience of this timeless and vital element. Want to visit the exhibition with your group? Book via this page.
