History of the Museum
The van Buuren Museum is located in the very house where the van Buuren family once lived. David van Buuren (1886-1955), originally from the Netherlands, settled in Brussels in 1909. His financial career intersected with significant global social, political, and economic events of the 20th century. He married Alice Piette (1890-1973), a Belgian, and together they embarked on thirty years of happiness and cultural dedication with their Art Deco villa.
A patron of the arts, David supported various causes, a tradition continued by Alice. In 1970, she established the private foundation to which she bequeathed the house, art collection, and gardens. This act marked the realization of the founders’ dream, transforming their legacy into the museum we know today.
The mission
The Musée Jardins van Buuren, a public utility foundation established by Alice van Buuren in 1970, is located at the museum’s address.
Its mission is to create a significant artistic and cultural institution, dedicated to the preservation of paintings, furniture, and objects from the villa, which now functions as a museum with its gardens open to the public. Over the years, the foundation has invited numerous artists to exhibit both inside the house and in the gardens.
It offers a diverse artistic programme throughout the year, including exhibitions, concerts, lectures, children’s activities, artist meet-and-greets, guided tours, and more.
WHO’S WHO
Brigitte Buyssens
Luc de Tillesse
Paul Grosjean
Eric Hennaut
Anne-Marie Sauvat