The neoclassical pavilion was built in 1896 according to the design of the Belgian architect Victor Horta. Its architecture resembles a classical Greek temple. The pavilion was built as a permanent venue for the exhibition of the marble relief "Human Passions" by Jef Lambeaux.
Already during the construction of the pavilion, a conflict arose between Horta and Lambeaux. The architect intended to leave the interior uncovered so that the bas-relief placed inside the building was also visible from the outside. In turn, the artist insisted on building four full walls. It was only after two years that a compromise was reached.
An interesting fact is that in 1967 the pavilion was leased to King Faisal ibn Abd al-Aziz from Saudi Arabia during his official visit to Belgium. The lease was intended to last 99 years, but eventually Saudi Arabia returned the pavilion to the Royal Belgian Museums of Art and History.
Attractions inside
