Art Nouveau-style wedding under Victor Horta's historic rafters
25/05/2024 12:00 | Inspiration
Horta Grand Café & Art Nouveau Hall in central Antwerp has a hugely rich history. Did you know that it incorporates the original rafters of the demolished Volkshuis, designed by Victor Horta? In this article, Ann Fidlers and Els Van Royen, sales and event managers at Horta for 23 years, explain the historical character of the building and share what makes it so special for your wedding.
Photo (above): Party rooms: Horta - Photographer: LUX Visual Storytellers
Article in collaboration with Horta
La Maison du Peuple
The story of this party room begins with Victor Horta, a renowned Belgian Art Nouveau architect who pioneered the style with prestigious projects in Ghent, Antwerp and Brussels. Ann and Els recount: "In 1895, Victor Horta was allowed to design the People's House in Brussels, which would serve for all kinds of gatherings. ‘La Maison du Peuple’, the epitome of Horta's architectural mastery, opened its doors in 1899 with its impressive iron trusses and numerous rooms, including a Salle de Café and a large Salle des Fêtes. In the decades that followed, however, the building began to take on a life of its own, with extensions that the architect, much to his regret, was not involved in. The use of the building was no longer in line with what was originally intended."
The demolished Volkshuis and years of decay
"In 1965-1966, despite protests from many enthusiasts across Belgium and beyond, the building was demolished. Hoping for a (partial) reconstruction in another location, certain elements such as the monumental iron trusses were kept in a warehouse in Tervuren. However, no concrete plans emerged, and the trusses even had to move to a grassy meadow in Jette in the early 1980s. In the unprotected open air, the trusses suffered from corrosion, decay and even theft. In the late 1980s, the trusses moved again, after which they were restored and exhibited at the Flanders Technology International fair in Ghent in 1991."
A permanent home... in the centre of Antwerp!
"After the fair, however, the iron frame was dismantled again and it was once again looking for a home. This it found in Antwerp, in a project in collaboration with Palm Brewery. Construction work started in 1998, and in 2000 Victor Horta's iron trusses finally found their final resting place: here with us, in ‘Horta’. Since then, Horta has been a very familiar name in Antwerp,’ Els and Ann say. The Grand Café on the ground floor is now open every day from morning to evening for a quick breakfast, lunch, sumptuous dinner or a drink. And in the Horta Art Nouveau Room, on the first floor, your wedding party can take place under the authentic, historic rafters - and the watchful eye, if you will - of Victor Horta.
A setting that exudes grandeur
"We are particularly proud of this story; the historical is inseparable from our name. We therefore carry this story through all our communications and to all our guests. For example, we name the tables after Victor Horta's buildings. So Art Nouveau lovers are sure to find something to their liking here. Moreover,Horta is listed among the Flanders Heritage Venues," Els adds proudly.
Thanks to its central location, wedding couples and their guests can also experience the added value of Antwerp. Ann says: ‘ We find that couples and their guests often stay overnight in the many hotels in the area and couple a weekend in Antwerp with the wedding. There is, of course, a lot to do in the city centre; and on weekends there is always a market. People do like to deal with their ‘hangover’ then among the cosy stalls. There arealso several car parks around Horta and we are easily accessible by public transport."
About Horta Grand Café & Art Nouveau Hall
Ann and Els have been working together for 23 years and are extremely well matched. The rest of the permanent team has also been working there for years. Together, they ensure a personal approach, with couples being guided from start to finish by Ann or Els as their permanent contact. "Our long-standing cooperation is surely unique. Recently, we were even allowed to assist a couple who got married here 20 years ago for their anniversary opniéally," Ann proudly shares. The in-house catering services led by Chef Peter Verelst provide contemporary cuisine and put a strong focus on sustainability with local and seasonal produce. The team can also unburden couples in other matters. Els: "We listen to their wishes and are really there for them. Among other things, we prepare the script for their day, which the maître and his team use at the party to keep everything on track."
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