A new season of concerts in the European Parliament’s Citizens’ Garden has started on May 17th. The opening of the season was marked with the signature of the Convention between the European Parliament and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, outlining the cooperation between these two institutions around the house of former painter Antoine Wiertz and its connected Citizens’ Garden.
The signature of the Convention was introduced in the presence of Othmar Karas, the First Vice President of the European Parliament, Jaume Duch, Director General for Communication and Spokesperson of the EP, and Michel Draguet, Director General of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts. The event continued with the concert of ‘Soul of Ukraine’ in the Citizens’ Garden which effectively marked the start of the new season of concerts.
The beautiful and calm garden behind the European Parliament has already become a great cultural spot in the heart of the buzzing EU district. This new season will host a series of concerts during the spring and summer period, offering Brussels public the opportunity to enjoy concerts in a very unique outdoor setting and free of charge. The musical performances will feature renowned artists from Brussels and beyond and will include different styles, from classical to opera, jazz and world music.
Citizens’ Garden is located in the grounds of the former residence and studio of the 19th century artist Antoine Wiertz, just 100 metres from the European Parliament’s official entrance in Rue Vautier / Vautierstraat 62. It opened to the public for the first time in September 2020 thanks to investment and renovation by the European Parliament. Nowadays, the concerts evoke the soirées and gatherings organised by the 19th century Belgian artist, who modelled the garden on ancient Greece and Rome. This initiative is definitely a wonderful contribution to the revival of Brussels cultural heritage.
You can find out more details about this park in our Citizens’ Garden photo story.
To check the timetable of the concerts, consult the Concerts in the Citizens’ Garden page or Facebook. Performances ocassionally have to be postponed due to the weather conditions so be sure to check Visit European Parliament Facebook page with the latest updates.
Discover the EU Quarter: The Citizens’ Garden + visit to the EU Parliament
Garden offers a chance to step into a serene, green oasis amid the busy European Quarter but visitors should also not miss other points of interest in the immediate vicinity – House of European History, Parlamentarium as well as the possibility to visit the Hemicycle of the European Parliament. Visits to all of these institutions are free of charge.
For more ideas and what to do and discover in this part of Brussels, visit our Guide to the EU District.
