{"id":69864,"date":"2018-04-11T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2018-04-10T21:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/art50.net\/rising-art-city-of-europe-brussels\/"},"modified":"2025-07-29T23:38:43","modified_gmt":"2025-07-29T20:38:43","slug":"rising-art-city-of-europe-brussels","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/art50.net\/en\/rising-art-city-of-europe-brussels\/","title":{"rendered":"Rising Art City of Europe: Brussels"},"content":{"rendered":"

You\u2019ve probably heard what they say about Ankara: \u201cThe best thing about Ankara is the road back to Istanbul!\u201d For many Europeans, Brussels evokes a similar feeling. Caught between the French and Flemish communities, the Brussels-based Belgian government constantly grapples with an identity crisis. Bureaucracy moves painfully slow by European standards, and things often don’t function smoothly.<\/p>\n

Yet Brussels\u2014home to both the European Union and NATO, and a city of expats and EU officials\u2014has its perks. One of them is that European workers can hop on a high-speed train and reach their home countries within a few hours. In fact, Europeans often joke that the best thing about Brussels is also the way out.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

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Let\u2019s be honest\u2014when we think of Brussels, art isn\u2019t the first thing that comes to mind. It probably comes after chocolate, waffles, mussels, the European Union, and maybe even Belgian beer.<\/p>\n

And yet, in recent years, Brussels has started to shine as a rising star in the art world, increasingly praised by art critics and writers. Art Brussels, the world\u2019s third oldest contemporary art fair after the Venice Biennale and Documenta, will celebrate its 50th edition this year.<\/p>\n

Respected international publications like The New York Times<\/em> and Forbes<\/em> also agree: Brussels has become a modern art hotspot in recent years.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

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According to many art critics, Brussels offers better opportunities for young artists compared to cities like Paris or Berlin. As the saying goes: Berlin is great for producing art but not for selling it, while Paris is great for selling art but not for producing it. Critics now suggest that Brussels offers the best of both worlds.<\/p>\n

The city\u2019s strategic location\u2014easily accessible by high-speed trains and close to major European capitals\u2014makes it a convenient hub for collectors. For those in the Eurozone, affordable rents and the abundance of art galleries give emerging local artists ample space to grow. In fact, around 50 new galleries have opened in the past decade alone.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

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Photo: Irmak \u00d6zer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In addition to its growing art scene and market, Brussels also benefits from the support of both visiting European collectors and local Belgian collectors, who play a significant role in shaping the city\u2019s art landscape. Belgium is one of the countries with the highest number of art collectors relative to its population.<\/p>\n

What makes Belgian collectors unique is their keen eye for emerging talent. They are known for acquiring works from promising artists long before they become widely recognized. Many of them have built impressive collections featuring young and successful European artists.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

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To experience the rewards of this unique atmosphere, my first recommendations will focus on the contemporary art spaces that are redefining and elevating Brussels’ art scene in tune with the new era.<\/p>\n

After that, I\u2019ll also highlight some must-see classical spots\u2014places that may be in a small country, but hold a big place in art history with iconic works worth discovering.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

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Wiels & MIMA<\/strong><\/p>\n

Housed in a former brewery, Wiels has emerged as a cornerstone of Brussels\u2019 contemporary art scene, especially for its acclaimed artist-in-residence program that supports both Belgian and international emerging artists. Its opening in 2007 is widely considered a milestone in the evolution of the city\u2019s art market.<\/p>\n

Each year, Wiels receives hundreds of applications for just nine residency spots, reflecting its growing reputation. Located on Van Volxem Avenue in the southern part of Brussels, it offers visitors a chance to engage with some of the most exciting and thought-provoking contemporary works by rising talents shaping the future of art.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

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WIELS Building \u00a9 WIELS<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

MIMA \u2013 Millennium Iconoclast Museum of Art<\/strong><\/p>\n

MIMA is an even younger addition to Brussels\u2019 art scene than Wiels, having opened in 2016\u2014and it\u2019s just celebrated its second anniversary this month. Despite its youth, MIMA has quickly carved out a unique identity as a contemporary art space with a bold mission: \u201cCulture History 2.0.\u201d<\/p>\n

What does that mean? Unlike traditional museums, MIMA embraces a wide spectrum of visual and subcultural expressions\u2014from music culture and graphic design to skateboarding, surfing, street art, plastic arts, comics, and tattoo art. It\u2019s a vibrant, genre-defying institution that reflects today\u2019s hybrid artistic realities and challenges conventional boundaries of what art can be.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

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Magritte and Surrealism<\/strong><\/p>\n

Since we\u2019re on the topic of cultural movements, let\u2019s continue with one that has left a lasting mark on Brussels: Surrealism.<\/p>\n

If Brussels were to teach you just one artistic lesson, it would be to understand the work and vision of surrealist painter Ren\u00e9 Magritte.<\/p>\n

And if Surrealism feels elusive or hard to grasp, a visit to the Mus\u00e9e Magritte in Brussels will change that. The museum offers the perfect gateway into the surrealist mindset\u2014and may just turn you into a devoted admirer of Magritte\u2019s thought-provoking world.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

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Mus\u00e9e Magritte. Source: ousejourner.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Famous for his iconic painting \u201cThis is not a pipe\u201d<\/em>, Ren\u00e9 Magritte is known for placing ordinary objects in extraordinary contexts, challenging viewers’ perceptions of reality. His works play with logic and meaning\u2014but in surprisingly simple ways.<\/p>\n

Take the pipe, for example. Of course, it\u2019s not a real pipe\u2014it\u2019s a painting of a pipe. When asked about this piece, Magritte famously responded: \u201cOf course it\u2019s not a pipe. Try filling it with tobacco if you like.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

By taking a philosophical approach to painting, Magritte invites us to question the nature of objects, their representations, and even memory itself\u2014turning everyday images into surreal puzzles for the mind.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

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Mus\u00e9e Magritte<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At this thoughtfully curated and comprehensive museum, you\u2019ll have the chance to follow Magritte\u2019s artistic journey\u2014from his early works to his mature period. The museum offers insight not only into his evolving style but also into the artistic movements he was part of, the collaborators he worked with, and the creative circles he belonged to.<\/p>\n

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You\u2019ll also get a more intimate look at the man behind the surrealism: his deep yet turbulent relationship with his muse and wife, his fondness for solitude and isolation, and his personal friendships\u2014all brought to life through letters, stories, and photographs. It\u2019s a rare opportunity to explore the inner world of a true visionary who stood apart from the rest with his singular way of thinking.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

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Royal Museum of Fine Arts<\/strong>
The Royal Museum of Fine Arts is an umbrella institution that includes six museums: the Old Masters Museum, Modern Museum, Wiertz Museum, Meunier Museum, Magritte Museum, and Fin-de-Si\u00e8cle Museum.<\/p>\n

Though it may not be as vast as the Louvre or the Metropolitan Museum of Art, its division into six thematic sections makes it easier to navigate in a more organized and less exhausting way\u2014while still offering incredible depth and variety.<\/p>\n

The museum\u2019s collection holds over 20,000 works, including major masterpieces you\u2019ll likely recognize instantly. Among them are The Death of Marat<\/em> by Jacques-Louis David, The Road to Calvary<\/em> by Peter Paul Rubens, and Pieter Bruegel the Elder\u2019s unforgettable The Fall of the Rebel Angels<\/em>, along with many of his other compelling works. You\u2019ll also find pieces by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, such as his celebrated portraits of Aristide Bruant.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a must-see destination for anyone interested in European art history\u2014from classical to modern.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

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Royal Museum of Fine Arts. Photo: Irmak \u00d6zer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Art Nouveau Movement<\/strong><\/p>\n

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While you can admire over 230 pieces at the Fin-de-Si\u00e8cle Museum, the best place to truly discover Art Nouveau<\/em> is right on the streets of Brussels. Because if Brussels is the capital of the EU, it\u2019s even more fittingly the capital of Art Nouveau.<\/p>\n

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So many buildings were constructed in this style around the 1900s that it\u2019s nearly impossible to count. For the richest Art Nouveau experience, explore the neighborhoods of St. Gilles\/Sint-Gillis, Ixelles\/Elsene, Forest\/Vorst, and Uccle\/Ukkel, where you\u2019ll find hundreds of stunning architectural examples lining the streets.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

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Born as a reaction to classical art, Art Nouveau sought to merge art with everyday life by creating beautiful, functional objects that responded to human needs. That\u2019s why Art Nouveau draws inspiration from organic forms\u2014plants, curves, and nature\u2014resulting in highly aesthetic designs full of graceful lines and thoughtful details, whether in furniture or architecture.<\/p>\n

Does the name Gaud\u00ed<\/em> ring a bell? One of the most influential figures of the Art Nouveau movement, Victor Horta, laid its foundations in Brussels by designing the iconic Tassel House in 1893\u2014now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

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Old England Building Photo: Irmak \u00d6zer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If you don\u2019t have much time to fully explore this movement, make sure at least to see the Old England building\u2014one of the finest examples of Art Nouveau in the city center and now home to the Music Museum.<\/p>\n

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You might also stumble upon one of the charming old caf\u00e9s housed in Art Nouveau-style buildings, offering a perfect way to experience the elegance of the era in a more casual setting.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

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After a fulfilling day of museum visits, if you’re looking for a spot to unwind with a drink that suits your artistic taste, head to the caf\u00e9s around Place Brugmann.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019d rather stay immersed in the art scene, spend time in Ixelles and Dansaert, where galleries are densely concentrated, or in Schaerbeek, home to many artist studios.<\/p>\n

As you stroll through these neighborhoods, don\u2019t forget to look up\u2014Brussels is rich not only in classical art but also in street art, with vibrant works adorning walls throughout the city.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

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From the streets of Brussels. Photo: Irmak \u00d6zer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If you\u2019re looking to enjoy a great evening out, the Bozar Centre for Fine Arts is the place to be. From dance to cinema, music to literature, it hosts a wide range of cultural events throughout the year. It’s highly recommended to check Bozar\u2019s event calendar and book your tickets in advance before heading to Brussels.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

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Goupil le Fol. Photo: Irmak \u00d6zer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If you’re in the mood to end your art journey with something truly eccentric, make sure to stop by Goupil le Fol. Once a brothel, now turned bar, this eclectic spot still features the old rooms, filled with bizarre and fascinating decorations gathered from flea markets, antique shops, second-hand stores, and bookshops. With vintage furniture hanging from the ceiling and fruit wines that are just as unique as the decor, Goupil le Fol offers a wonderfully strange and memorable experience.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

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Other Art Routes<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Art Brussels at 50: <\/strong>As mentioned earlier, Art Brussels\u2014the world\u2019s third oldest contemporary art fair\u2014is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Taking place from April 19 to 22, the fair will feature 145 galleries, bringing together a dynamic mix of emerging talent and established names from around the globe.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

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Horta Museum: <\/strong>If you want to experience one of the finest examples of Art Nouveau, don\u2019t miss this stunning house designed and built by Victor Horta between 1898 and 1901. Once serving as both his home and studio, the building is a masterpiece of architectural elegance and a true homage to the Art Nouveau movement.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

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Museum of Ixelles: <\/strong>Located in Ixelles\u2014one of the city\u2019s most gallery-rich neighborhoods\u2014the Museum of Ixelles houses a remarkable collection of 10,000 modern artworks spanning from the 16th century to today. It\u2019s especially renowned for its impressive selection of Impressionist and Surrealist pieces, making it a must-visit for fans of these movements.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/p>\n

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The Vanhaerents Art Collection: <\/strong>Considered by some to be one of the most important contemporary art collections in Europe, the Vanhaerents family collection is housed in one of the family\u2019s private estates. It opens to the public on select days of the month, offering a rare glimpse into a world-class assembly of modern art.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

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Belgian Comic Strip Centre: <\/strong>Who hasn\u2019t heard of Tintin? Or the Smurfs? Or Lucky Luke? You\u2019ll realize right from the airport that comic strips are one of Belgium\u2019s proudest cultural symbols.<\/p>\n

Opened in 1989, the Belgian Comic Strip Centre celebrates this legacy with exhibits featuring over 700 illustrators. The building itself is a work of art\u2014designed by none other than Art Nouveau master Victor Horta\u2014making it a must-visit for both comic lovers and architecture enthusiasts alike.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

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Art in the Metro Stations: <\/strong>If you’re looking for a subtle clue that Brussels is becoming a rising art city, just take a look around its metro stations. Many of them are home to striking artworks that transform everyday commutes into cultural encounters.<\/p>\n

The city\u2019s public transportation agency, STIB, even offers a downloadable booklet on its website, detailing the various art pieces installed across Brussels\u2019 metro stations\u2014making it easy for curious travelers to explore the city\u2019s underground art scene.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

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Irmak \u00d6zer<\/p>\n\n

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<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

You\u2019ve probably heard what they say about Ankara: \u201cThe best thing about Ankara is the road back to Istanbul!\u201d For many Europeans, Brussels evokes a similar feeling. Caught between the French and Flemish communities, the Brussels-based Belgian government constantly grapples with an identity crisis. Bureaucracy moves painfully slow by European standards, and things often don’t […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1456,"featured_media":52175,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[1535],"tags":[1574,1673],"class_list":["post-69864","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sanat-sehirleri","tag-sanat-rehberi","tag-bruksel"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/art50.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69864","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/art50.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/art50.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/art50.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1456"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/art50.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=69864"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/art50.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69864\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":69865,"href":"https:\/\/art50.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69864\/revisions\/69865"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/art50.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/52175"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/art50.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=69864"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/art50.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=69864"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/art50.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=69864"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}