At Avenue Léo Errera 41 in Uccle, the Museum David and Alice van Buuren preserves the Art Deco home of the couple who built it between 1924 and 1928. Look for signed carpets, stained-glass windows, paintings and textiles inside, then explore the garden’s distinct spaces, including a maze and the Heart Garden. The house’s staircase leads to an exhibition of Art Deco dresses. Allow time for the short silent film about David and Alice, which adds context to the rooms and collection.
A home built around Art Deco
David van Buuren, a Dutch financier, moved to Brussels in 1909. He and his Belgian wife, Alice Piette, shared an interest in the arts and built their home in Uccle between 1924 and 1928. Plans were drawn up by David and his nephew Johan Franco, and architects Léon Govaerts and Alexis Van Vaerenbergh oversaw the construction.
The house combines influences associated with Dutch and French Art Deco. Its design extends beyond the exterior: the rooms preserve the couple’s furnishings and decorative choices, so the building and collection can be seen together. After David and Alice died, their home became a museum.
Rooms, materials and collections
Look closely at the interiors for signed carpets, stained-glass windows, sculptures and furniture. Paintings and objects from the couple’s collection span the 16th to 20th centuries, with work by Belgian, Dutch and French designers and artists. Van Woestyne paintings, textiles and horsehair wall coverings are among the details found in the rooms.
A staircase leads to an exhibition of Art Deco dresses. The short silent film about David and Alice gives more context to the house and its owners; leave time to watch it as part of your visit. The displays reward a slower look at materials and craftsmanship, from the carpets underfoot to the glass and textiles used throughout the interiors.
The garden and planning your visit
Outside, the garden is arranged into distinct spaces with views back towards the house. Its features include topiary, a maze and the Heart Garden. The grounds give the visit a different pace from the decorated rooms, and their character changes with the seasons.
The museum is at Avenue Léo Errera 41 in Uccle. Weekends can be crowded, so booking ahead or arriving early is a practical choice. Wear comfortable shoes for the indoor and outdoor parts of the visit, and be prepared for stairs: accessibility inside is limited.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is the Museum David and Alice van Buuren?
It is at Avenue Léo Errera 41 in Uccle, Brussels.
What can you see inside the museum?
The former home contains Art Deco interiors, furniture, signed carpets, stained glass, paintings, sculptures and textiles. An exhibition of Art Deco dresses is reached by the staircase.
Does the museum have a garden?
Yes. The grounds include separate garden spaces, topiary, a maze and the Heart Garden.
Should I book the Museum David and Alice van Buuren in advance?
Booking ahead is recommended, particularly because weekends can be crowded.
Is the museum accessible for visitors with limited mobility?
Accessibility inside is limited, and visitors should be prepared for stairs.
