Brussels: Villa Empain Modern variety

1930-1935

Architect: Michel Polak

67 Avenue Franklin Roosevelt, Brussels, Belgium

Building

Villa Empain is an Art Deco residence built by Michel Polak between 1930 and 1935, commissioned by Baron Louis Empain.

The twins are clad in polished Baveno granite from Italy, and some of the copper parts are covered in gold leaf.

Inside

Escalette and Bois Jourdan marble were used in the interior.

Tropical trees were used for flooring and planking. In addition, there were decorative glass paintings and a backlit glass ceiling.

History

The building was originally planned as a residence, but the builder soon realized that the villa was not suitable for living.

It is not certain whether he ever lived in the mansion. It is believed to have been used for about a year, after which Empain moved to Canada.

In 1937, Louis Empain donated the villa to the Belgian government with the agreement that it could only be used as a museum.

In November 1943, the villa was required by the Wehrmacht as the headquarters of the local commander for the German occupation of Belgium.

Post War

After the war, for reasons that can no longer be explained, the villa was handed over, without following the rules of donation, to the Soviet Union, which established its embassy there.

This decision was opposed for years by the Empain family, citing its 1937 project as a museum, so that the Soviet ambassador had to leave in 1964 and the villa was returned to Louis Empain.

The villa was also used as a showroom before being sold in 1973 to Harry Tcherkezian, an Armenian businessman living in the United States.

The latter rented the house to the French broadcaster RTL from 1980 to 1993.

After that, the villa fell into disrepair and was often the target of vandalism.

Protection of Inheritance

In 2001, it was placed on the Brussels heritage list worthy of protection and was purchased by the Fondation Boghossian in 2006.

Restoration

From 2007 to 2011, the villa was restored, where the Fondation received the Europa Nostra award in 2011.

The facade and interior were renovated, the swimming pool and its pergola were restored.

The ground floor has now met all the requirements of a modern museum, and the Foundation’s offices have moved to the second floor.

Since 2007, the villa has been listed as a historical monument. It is the seat of the Fondation Boghossian and is used for exhibitions.