The villa was originally built in 1930 as a private residence for the 22-year-old Baron Louis Empain.
During the Second World War, the property was requisitioned by the German military and later by the Soviet embassy.
The building's interior staircase is constructed from polished marble and features intricate bronze railings original to the 1930s design.
The restoration project completed in 2010 received the European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage.
The site acts as an international hub for the Boghossian Foundation, which promotes jewelry art and cross-cultural dialogue.
Villa Empain is a premier example of 1930s Art Deco architecture, currently serving as the headquarters for the Boghossian Foundation. Designed by Swiss architect Michel Polak for Baron Louis Empain, the mansion features luxurious materials including rare marbles, exotic woods, and gilded bronze elements. The site functions as a center for art and dialogue between Eastern and Western cultures. Visitors can explore temporary exhibitions of contemporary art installed within the mansion's original preserved interiors. The building underwent a significant restoration between 2008 and 2010 to repair damage sustained during years of abandonment. The grounds include a formal swimming pool area that serves as an open-air installation space. Its location on Avenue Franklin Roosevelt places it within a significant green belt of the Ixelles neighborhood.
The central grand staircase and the exterior pool area with the villa's symmetrical facade as the backdrop.
Check the exhibition calendar online before visiting, as the museum frequently changes its rotating contemporary art displays.
Take time to view the architectural details in the hallways, as the structure itself is as significant as the featured artwork.
Do not attempt to enter the private office areas or restricted zones designated for foundation staff.
Closed on Mondays.
