Here is my small non-exhaustive selection of what is to come for this new year.
Let’s begin our overview with the major theme of the year – Art Nouveau . 1893 is the year when the architect Victor Horta put the final touches to the Hôtel Tassel. 130 years later, Brussels is taking advantage of this anniversary date to celebrate Art Nouveau in all its diversity and assert itself as the capital of this international artistic movement. The program is varied and very interesting, register quickly.
In Europe, as in Brussels, we are also celebrating the 50th anniversary of the death of Pablo Picasso (08/04). An exhibition is also dedicated to him in Brussels, at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts (until 02/12).
The exhibition Europa, Oxalá presents the works of twenty-one European artists and intellectuals whose family origins lie in the former colonies. These artists born and raised in a postcolonial context, offer here a reflection on their heritage, their memory and their identity in the splendid Africa Museum until March 5.
In the heart of the city, we are celebrating the 175th anniversary of the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, go to the Cinéma Galeries to see the exhibition (until 06/30/2023).
Radius, major exhibitions, “Bond In Motion” , the event transports visitors over no less than 6,000 m2 compiling iconic objects from the Bond universe, until 14/05/2023 at Brussels Expo.
“Untold Stories”, a posthumous exhibition celebrating the vision and work of photographer Peter Lindbergh at Espace Vanderborght until 05/14.
You may also go and say “AQUECOUCOU” to Johnny Hallyday. An exceptional exhibition retracing the life of the singer, arrives in Brussels for 6 months , until June 15, 2023 at Brussels Expo.
Fairs and shows will be honored with the 100th edition of the Brussels Fair, which will take place in its traditional form from 14 to 22 January 2023 at Brussels Expo. Car manufacturers will be back in number and the event will host new entertainment.
Brafa returns to its gigantic pied-à-terre located at the Brussels Exhibition Centre . One of the most important art and antiques fairs in Europe is devoting its 68th edition to the Art Nouveau movement while having some very nice surprises in store for you with 130 exhibitors from all over the world from 29/01 to 05/ 02.
In the musical field, A Rachmaninoff year, with the 80th anniversary of his death (28/03) and, four days later, the 150 years of his birth (01/04). Bozar also pays homage to him with a festival on 03/02 and 05/02/2023. The Queen Elisabeth Music Competition will be devoted to singing and will take place from 21/05 to 03/06.
We will also sing for the KISS Farewell Tour through Belgium (06/13 – Palais 12), 6 dates with us for Renaud (who celebrated his 70th birthday this year), but also Indochine, Louise Attaque and Franz Ferdinand, but also Angèle at the Core Festival… The Weeknd will pass through Belgium, at the King Baudouin stadium, on 07/11/2023. A stage at the party because Mylène Farmer will be in concert on 07/22, Rammstein from August 03 to 05 (I know a happy mayor). The Museum Night Fever , the crazy and original Night of the Brussels Museums will take place on 21/10/2023. And I can’t forget Rave Rebels, definitely the most incredible party (maybe also in April – TBC) but announced on 06/10/2023 at Palais 12.
New for 2023: The Anderlecht beguinage, an architectural gem that has been completely restored. With the House of Erasmus and the Gothic collegiate church of Saints-Pierre-et-Guidon, the beguinage of Anderlecht constitutes a remarkable historical ensemble.
The second phase of the reopening of the will be finalized in the fall of 2023.
Maison Hannon will become a museum in June 2023 and will work in tandem with Maison Horta, located not far in Brussels. The renovation will not yet be complete, but the subsequent phases will be carried out without closing the building.
Train World offers “Multisenso Rail”, launched recently, offers the opportunity for an original multisensory visit accessible to all, originally developed for people with intellectual disabilities. Special guided tours will also be organized for the blind and partially sighted public.
LaVallée offers “Magnetic Flow”, a unique multisensory experience. Simply hypnotic visual and musical works.
And what would our country be without these incredible Festivals:
Brussels Jazz festival : from 12 to 15/01/2023. Bright Festival : the brightest of Brussels events illuminates three districts: the Royal district, the European district and the Lehon district up to Avenue Louis Bertrand in Schaerbeek from 16 to 19/02/2023. Made in Asia : the meeting place for fans of manga and Asian culture in the broadest sense. From March 3 to 5 at Brussels Expo. Botanical Nights : from 27/04 to 07/05/2023. Core Festival : For its second edition, at Osseghem Park. The CORE Festival will offer an eclectic program on 5 different stages spread throughout the park. On 27 and 28/05/2023. Paradise City Festival : The festival shop where seen must be seen! From 30/06 to 02/07/2023. Tomorrowland : 21 to 23/07/2023 and from 28 to 30/07/2023. Voodoo Village : The boutique festival of “good, beautiful and sustainable” not to be missed for its incredible atmosphere from 8 to 10/09/2023. And to join 2024, FCKNYE Festival , the New Year’s Eve loved by the whole of Europe on 31/12/2023.
3rd in the ranking of ILGA-Europe (International Lesbians & Gay Association), Belgium has long supported respect for the rights and inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people . Brussels embodies the committed and festive reflection of this desire for inclusion: festivals, parties, associations… and a pride which brought together more than 200,000 people in 2022. The capital has made open-mindedness and acceptance of a true art of living, both for its inhabitants and for its visitors, 2023 will be the color of the rainbow for the celebration of 20 years of same-sex marriage .
Coming to Brussels for a few hours or a few days, the easiest way is to buy a Brussels Card. Buy it online and choose a card for 24 hours, 48 hours or 72 hours. A Brussels Card, 24 hours, €29.
Wanting to feel the energy of Brussels at night is possible and not expensive, thanks to the Volume Pass, the best clubs in the city accessible and without queuing! for a weekend for €29!.
There is always something on the Brussels agenda! To find out what’s happening in Brussels, it’s here
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Trouble Festival : The NarcoSexuals.
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