Pavilion of Human Passions, Museum building in European Quarter, Belgium
The Pavilion of Human Passions is a rectangular building with classical elements located in Brussels's European Quarter. Inside stands a large marble relief that decorates the walls and forms the main focus of the space.
Victor Horta designed this pavilion in 1889 as his first public commission, marking the start of his career as an architect in Brussels. The building emerged during a time when new architectural styles were taking root in the city.
The interior displays a marble relief by Jef Lambeaux showing human emotions through carefully crafted figures. The carved scenes capture different sides of human experience that visitors can see and understand directly.
Visits are available through guided tours offered typically on the last Sunday of each month, with advance booking needed several weeks before the chosen date. It is wise to register early, as spaces are limited and demand can be high.
The building remained closed to the public for many years because the marble relief with its explicit figures sparked controversy. Today visitors can finally see this long-hidden artwork and understand the story behind it.
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