Brussels: An Underrated City for Art Lovers

By Jessica Montevago

Travelers looking for a trip filled with both historic and contemporary art scenes might overlook Brussels, instead opting for larger more popular destinations like Amsterdam, Paris, and London. However, the Belgian capital's well-established art scene covers some of the best of the Art Nouveau architecture, Flemish Masters, and Belgian Surrealism, as well as contemporary galleries.

Walking through the city, one might notice there are almost a thousand Art Nouveau buildings—intricate façades, which lead way into idyllic interiors with stained glass, mosaics, and wrought ironwork. This can be traced back to the architect Victor Horta, a prolific pioneer of the Art Nouveau style who was responsible for many architectural gems in Brussels. Between 1898 et 1901, he built Horta House, which consisted of two buildings: his office and his personal home. Now converted to a museum, visitors will find all the hallmarks of the Art Nouveau style. Horta also designed the BOZAR Centre for Fine Arts in this style, which is home to the National Orchestra of Belgium, exhibitions, concerts, theater performances, and movies.

Horta House

Throughout 2023, Brussels plans to celebrate this architectural heritage with large-scale exhibitions, special guided tours, and more. (Find the schedule of events here.) It marks 130 years since Horta put the finishing touches to Tassel House, the founding work of the Art Nouveau movement in Brussels.

The city also has several museums one can get lost in. The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium comprise the Old Masters Museum, the Musée Fin-de-siècle Museum, and the Musée Magritte Museum. The collection of the Old Masters covers a period running from the 15th to the 18th centuries showcasing European painters, including famed Flemish artists Peter Paul Rubens and Anthony van Dyck. The building itself was funded by King Leopold II. The Musée Fin-de-siècle Museum (End of the Century Museum) is a multidisciplinary space dedicated to the art scene in Brussels between 1868 and 1914. The Musée Magritte Museum is the world's largest collection of the renowned Belgian surrealist artist René Magritte, featuring 230 works and archives on display.

Brussels City Museum

The contemporary art scene is thriving in Brussels, dozens of galleries are spread out across the city. Both the MIMA, the new Millennium Iconoclast Museum of Arts, and the Alice Gallery are dedicated to grassroots art movements. Xavier Hufkens is one of Europe’s leading contemporary art galleries and has three locations in Brussels.

Home to the Brussels City Museum, the Maison du Roi neo-Gothic building dates back to the last quarter of the 19th century. Inside the Brussels City Museum gives a comprehensive overview of Brussels' history, across more than 7,000 items including altarpieces, tapestries, earthenware, porcelain, sculptures, and city maps. The beloved symbol of Brussels residents, the original statue of Manneken Pis, a little boy urinating, resides on the last floor.

Where to stay

• Chandelier-lit interiors give way to a luxurious lobby at the Hilton Brussels Grand Place. The on-site restaurant, Sentro, transforms to a lively lounge at night, with a menu inspired by local artists who exhibits their artworks.
  
  
• The elegant Sofitel Brussels Europe boasts an exclusive location: between the European Parliament and the European Commission, just a few steps from the Jubilee Park and close to several museums. From bright and spacious guest rooms to an upscale restaurant and bar, the hotel is ideal for any traveler.
  
  
• The NH Collection Brussels Grand Sablon is on a square in the historic upper town of Brussels, lined with art galleries, antique shops, and chocolatiers. Premium rooms offer a view of the neighborhood while Suites look out over the square itself. Other hotel amenities include buffet breakfast, an on-site gym, and tapas restaurant.
  
  
• Downtown, Hotel Avenue Louise Brussels Trademark Collection by Wyndham is minutes from shops along Avenue Louise, and the Grand-Place. Charming European décor sets a relaxing scene in each guest room, featuring a balcony, as well as a cozy sitting area with fireplace and inviting bar.
  
  
• In a city that combines art and history, the Renaissance Brussels Hotel fits right in with its chic decor and the ambiance of a boutique property. Explore traditional Belgian fare prepared with local produce at the hotel’s restaurants, The Poet, which includes light lunches, wines and cocktails at its trendy bar.

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