Temple of Human Passions

Temple of Human Passions

The Temple of Human Passions is an Art Nouveau-style building designed in the shape of a Greek temple, constructed by Victor Horta in 1896 within Brussels' Cinquantenaire Park. Although outwardly classical, the structure was actually young Victor Horta’s first step into Art Nouveau. It was originally conceived as a showcase for the massive marble relief Human Passions, created by Jef Lambeaux. However, after its completion, the building has remained almost permanently closed.

Designed by Horta, the Temple of Human Passions houses the unparalleled work of sculptor Jef Lambeaux — the relief Human Passions, which depicts the joys and sins of humanity dominated by death. It also portrays humans’ “passive” passions, such as war, rape, and suicide. Since the project was announced in 1886, the relief has been highly controversial. Though initially well received by art critics, they later lamented its lack of cohesion. Despite the controversy, the Belgian government purchased the work in 1890 for installation in Cinquantenaire Park.

On October 1, 1899, Horta’s temple was officially inaugurated, and the Human Passions relief was unveiled to the public. Lambeaux’s frank depiction of male and female nudity drew strong criticism from the press, which described the sculpture’s unreserved display of various forms of physical pleasure as scandalous. Nudity wasn’t the only issue: the crucified Christ placed beneath the figure of Death outraged conservative Belgians. Just three days after the inauguration, the open-air structure was enclosed by wooden boards, shutting it off from public view.

Temple of Human Passions

Why Visit: Brussels’ Most Controversial Relief

Continent: Europe【Europe】

Country/Region: Belgium

Province/State: Brussels-Capital Region

City: Brussels