Making the most of winter in Brussels is : letting yourself be enticed by the scent of chocolate – and mulled wines at the Plaisirs d’Hiver. Feeling small in front of the Christmas tree and the sound and light shows. Swaying to the fast waltzes at the Ball in the world’s most beautiful Main Square. Staring in amazement at the city’s festival lighting. Dashing off to see the exhibition everyone is talking about. Playing at bullfighting in the Brussels night under the tender gaze of Manneken Pis. Partying enchanté on New Year’s Eve … and in January, putting away the gnomes and tossing out the Christmas trees !
Europalia Art Festival Indonesia
10/10/2017 – 21/01/2018
Europalia is a major international arts festival held every two years to celebrate one invited country’s cultural heritage. Since 1969, Europalia has organised some twenty-two festivals. Each has turned the spotlight on one culture in a comprehensive programme of music, fine arts, photography, cinema, theatre, dance and literature. From October to February, the festival fills numerous locations in Brussels, other Belgian cities and in neighbouring countries. The festival offers guest countries a unique opportunity to present their cultural heritage and contemporary arts in an optimal format. In this way, Europalia hopes to promote better understanding between nations and stimulate cultural exchange between peoples. Europalia contributes to the cultural dimension of European construction by promoting Europe’s diverse cultures and encouraging their dialogue with the world’s great cultures.
The 2017-2018 edition focuses on Indonesia. How can a culture as complex and diverse as Indonesia’s be represented in only four months without resorting to clichés? In collaboration with Indonesian and European artists, curators and experts, EUROPALIA meets this challenge to reveal Indonesia in its most unexpected and contrasted forms. While Java and Bali naturally feature, so do more remote regions like Papua and the Moluccas. From ancient ancestor statues to contemporary video installations, from gamelan music to Papuan experimental dance… discover an Indonesia that is rich in traditions but also firmly rooted in the present.
Magritte, Atomium meets surrealism
21/09/2017 – 10/09/2018
In honour of the 50th anniversary of the death of René Magritte, the internationally renowned icon of Belgian surrealism, the Atomium will give a unique homage to Magritte.
From 21 September 2017 the Atomium invites visitors to this unique exhibition. A few of his most prominent and acclaimed works are brought to life. These works, made into sets and unravelled, allow the visitor visually to enter the surrealist world of René Magritte. Experience, interpret and undergo the surreal world of Belgium’s greatest artist. Find the hidden message behind the artwork, discover extraordinary decors and enjoy the masterpieces by René Magritte. René Magritte and the Atomium, the combination of two icons of Belgian heritage. A must for young and old and definitely not to be missed!
Winterwonders 2017
24/11/2017 – 31/12/2017
The city celebrates the end of the year with a large European Christmas market (“Winterwonders”) that spreads through the cobbled streets and squares around the Grand-Place/Grote Markt. Downtown is transformed with fir trees, a Christmas crib, music, and special lighting. The festive mood is heightened by the presence of a Ferris wheel, merry-go-rounds (carousels), and an ice-skating rink
