BANAD, Brussels Art Nouveau & Deco Festival, is back in town between 11-26 March with a prominent programme for the Year of Art Nouveau. Visitors can enjoy 3 weekends of interior visits, conferences, theme nights and explore the city in entirely different way. “BANAD opens the doors of Brussels to the public”, those were the words of Delphine Houba, Alderwoman of Culture, Tourism, Big Events and Municipal Equipment in Brussels.
Photos (c) dorka demeter / welovebrussels
The history of BANAD Festival goes back to 2001 when the first Art Nouveau festival was organised. Under its current form this will be the 7th edition of this key architectural festival of Brussels. Organised by Explore Brussels it showcases 50 interior visits, guided walks, concerts, conferences, game night and so much more! The organising team always manages to open new doors and to add new experiences and events to the programme. Thus, BANAD Festival is a great opportunity for those just getting acquainted with these architectural styles as well as for the real connaisseurs to further explore hidden gems.
“BANAD opens the doors of Brussels to the public.”
Delphine Houba, Alderwoman of Culture, Tourism, Big Events and Municipal Equipment in Brussels.
The festival brings together 40 institutional partners along with the owners of private houses who play a key role in the project. A true ecosystem and synergy that makes this exceptional architectural heritage accessible to the larger public as well as to vulnerable groups such as persons with reduced mobility or seniors. The programme also offers tours in sign language, events dedicated to families and schools. Collectors and visitors are welcome to the fair dedicated to Art Nouveau and Art Deco objects during the last weekend of the festival. The result of this amazing cooperation is an annual number of 20-25.000 visitors!
Every year there are new jewels on the programme: among many others the former private house and studio of Fernand Dubois in Brussels (currently the Cuban Embassy) by Victor Horta or the recently restored Town Hall of Forest that opens its doors to the participants of BANAD before opening to the larger public.
The programme is already available online. Booking for individual interior visits opens on 7th February at 14.00. Be on time, best places get sold out in the first minutes!
