51. Former Insitute of Sociology - Solvay Library

Dominating the Léopold Park, the majestic Solvay Library was built in 1902 at the initiative of the industrialist Ernest Solvay in order to house the Institute of Sociology. Designed by the architects Constant Bosmans and Henri Vandeveld, this Eclectic building with an Art Nouveau flavour comprised a vast lecture hall lit by floor-to-ceiling windows and numerous individual offices with padded doors. The woodwork and paintings attributed to Adolphe Crespin are particularly elegant. Their careful restoration received the prestigious Europa Nostra Cultural Heritage Award in 2012.