In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Art Nouveau and its new artistic aspirations led to a shift in attitudes and increasing opportunities for women.

But what role did women play in all this?

This tour will highlight the largely overlooked wealth of artistic work done by women in Brussels during the Art Nouveau period.

If women were a source of inspiration, they also paved the way for advances in many artistic fields through Art Nouveau. Others went even further in breaking the shackles of social convention.

Who were these actresses and performers who inspired or patronised Art Nouveau in Brussels? Did their families and the artistic circles they mixed in hinder or further their achievements? What part did they play and how many works should be re-attributed to women?

What more contemporary resonances do they have? From the 1980s onwards in Belgium, they were championed by the wave of feminist bookshops, such as Artemys, which made women artists one of its specialist niches and specifically incorporated Art Nouveau into its graphic design.

The tour will take visitors on a journey through the places that have welcomed, showcased or celebrated these women.