Why did a group of Ursuline sisters in the Flemish countryside decided to build an impressive Art Nouveau winter garden in 1900?

It’s unclear exactly why the Ursuline sisters in the Flemish countryside decided to build an Art Nouveau winter garden in 1900, as there is little documentation available on the subject. However, it is possible that they were influenced by the Art Nouveau movement’s emphasis on natural forms and the incorporation of natural elements into architecture and design. The winter garden may have been seen as a way to bring the beauty of the natural world indoors, allowing the sisters and their guests to enjoy lush greenery and exotic plants even in the depths of winter.

Additionally, it’s possible that the winter garden was seen as a way to enhance the educational and spiritual mission of the Ursuline community. The Ursulines have a long tradition of educating young women, and the winter garden may have been seen as a way to provide an immersive learning environment that emphasized the importance of nature and the natural world. It may have also been seen as a way to create a peaceful and contemplative space for prayer and reflection, which is central to the Ursuline way of life.

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We created special Art Nouveau private tours in Brussels:

• Brussels, the Cradle of Art Nouveau (3 hours)
• How The Congo and the Brussels International Exhibition helped Art Nouveau (3 hours)

If you are looking for a tour in the Ursulines go to the CONTACT US section and we’ll be glad to help you.