Three famous Art Nouveau architects made quite an impact in the short span of time when the Art Nouveau style was all the rage. Victor Horta, Paul Hankar and Hector Guimard set out to tranform the most plain and functional buildings, houses, hotels, public works buildings and even subway entrances, into works of art. They took inspiration from the beauty inherent in nature as they designed buildings that allowed for flowing, curvaceous lines and organic shapes. These three architects left behind a legacy of beauty and grace.
Victor Horta
Victor Horta was an architect known in Belgium for his work on tombstones and public works projects. He was enamored by the Art Nouveau movement and became a primary force in the spread of this new architectural style.
Horta's houses and public buildings featured curving lines and organically inspired structures. If you are interested in seeing an entire museum full of Horta's work, consider visiting the Maison and Atelier of Victor Horta or the Hotel Tassel, both located in Brussels. Even the eating utensils displayed in these buildings reflect Art Nouveau design.
Another famous house designed by Horta is the Autrique house, also in Brussels. This house was designed at the beginning of Horta's discovery of the Art Nouveau style.
Paul Hankar
Hankar was a friend and colleague of Horta. Hankar was originally trained as a sculptor, but Horta encouraged him to design and build houses. Hankar designed his own home in the Art Nouveau style while Horta was designing the Hotel Tassel. Hankar's house is considered the second Art Nouveau house in the world. Hankar also designed the Hôtel Ciamberlani.
Hector Guimard
Hector Guimard of France was astonished when he visited Horta's Hotel Tassel. Guimard revised his architectural approach and added Art Nouveau elements to the Paris Metro entranceways he was designing. His fluid lines, and use of multiple materials in his architecture earned him a reputation as the premier Art Nouveau architect in France. The subway entrances went from simply functional to being works of art, a classic intention of Nouveau architects.
 | Examples of Art Nouveau can be found throughout the world, in items as common as lamps and subway entrances. Learn where to look to find fine examples of the Art Nouveau style. |
 | Interested in studying or collecting Art Nouveau furniture? Learn about the stylistic elements that define an Art Nouveau piece. |
The Art Nouveau style is all about nature, with flowing, arched lines and images of birds, flowers, insects and plants. |
Need to brush up on your architecture styles? Check out our Art Nouveau guide with everything you need to know about examples of art nouveau, art nouveau furniture, art nouveau style, art nouveau architects and more. |
