Best of Brussels in February

Welcome to the February edition of our Best of Brussels agenda. Though the temperatures remain frosty, the city offers a vibrant lineup of events to keep us entertained—starting this review with some Art Deco flair and a delightfully out-of-season summery photo from Villa Empain. 🙂

Have you heard that the Brussels Philharmonic got nominated for a Grammy Award for ‘Orchestras,’ the latest album by renowned American guitarist and composer Bill Frisell? Although the prestigious award in Los Angeles ultimately went to Taylor Eigsti’s ‘Plot Armor’, this was yet another confirmation of the Brussels Philharmonic’s international reputation, having previously won a Golden Globe for the film score of The Aviator (2004) and an Oscar for The Artist (2011). Read more

We all know that our capital is full of special and quirky bars but the European Bar Guide recently ranked Brussels café Het Goudblommeke in Papier (La Fleur en Papier Doré) as the best in Europe! This unique café is full of history and was once a meeting place for the prominent artists linked to the surrealist movement. A must-visit, if you haven’t already. More here

Brussels celebrates 100 years of Art Deco throughout 2025! Explore different facets of city’s Art Deco world thanks to a great program of exhibitions, guided tours, lectures, and rare building openings. For the great kick-off, visit the new expo Echoes of Art Deco at Villa Empain.

It’s the brightest month of the year, not so much for the Sun but thanks to Bright Festival which returns from 13 to 16 February with more than 20 light installations from artists from all over the world. This year the festival will take place in two quarters: Royal and European. Take note, the Pavilion of Human Passions in Cinquantenaire Park will be exceptionally open as part of the European Quarter’s route. Programme here

The exhibition Hosting at La Centrale, marks the reopening of this art space in the Saint Catherine’s district after extensive renovations. The expo showcases the work of 250 artists from Brussels and its surrounding suburbs, transforming the entire space of la Centrale, a former power station, into a vibrant gathering point. Until 9 February. Read more in this article by our contributor, Salvatore Costantino.

For those who are ready to explore something different… a journey into illusion and magic? Have you already been to the World of Mind (WOM) museum in Brussels? Spanning an impressive 1,500 m², WOM offers an extraordinary fusion of science, magic, and sensory exploration. Discover more!

Whether you are a photography enthusiast or simply curious about contemporary art, PhotoBrussels Festival is an inspiring journey into the world of visual expression. The 9th edition of the festival takes place until 23 February and offers an engaging platform for visual storytelling through exhibitions, workshops, and discussions. Each edition revolves around a compelling theme, encouraging audiences to explore diverse perspectives and cultural narratives. Venues and tickets

Car enthusiasts won’t want to miss Autoworld’s new special exhibition celebrating 110 years of Maserati – the iconic Italian brand, known for transforming ‘GranTurismo’ into a lifestyle. This captivating display offers a unique opportunity to explore the legacy of the legendary trident emblem and over a century of its remarkable history. Until 23 February. More info

Victor Horta, Henry van de Velde, Paul Delvaux, Santiago Calatrava…they all have something in common: Their passion for trains. Draw Me A Train is a new exhibition at Train World exposing some of the works of these exceptional artists expressing the beauty of trains. Original drawings by Victor Horta related to his work at the Brussels Central station will be exhibited to the public for the first time. Until May. Learn more

The world’s most popular musical, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera is coming to Belgium with one month of performances, starting from 6 February at Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen. Don’t miss!

EU Quarter tips: In February, you can still attend one of the Winter concerts at the Info Hub of the European Parliament. Lunchtime concerts begin at 13:00 and will be happening weekly each Tuesday. Concerts include classical and jazz performances by different musicians and ensembles. Free access. Schedule here

Tuesday lunch tours continue in the House of European History exploring an appropriate subject for this month – “What’s love got to do with it?”. Tours are in English and free to attend. From 12h15 – 13h. No booking required. More info

A temporary exhibition Changemakers: From committed art to democratic artivism in the Parlamentarium ends on 16 February. The exhibition explores how young artists and activists engage in the defence of democracy through artivism and social networks. Learn more

Also happening this month:

• Which are the boundaries between humans and wild animals? The exhibition WILD? at the Natural Sciences Museum, explores the tricky relationship via Belgian wildlife with a focus on the meaning and different perceptions of the wild: Exotic? Distant? Dangerous? More info here
  
• For five days, Flagey will be dedicated to the piano in all its forms during Flagey Piano Days. The festival includes concerts, conferences and exhibitions. Piano lovers will be able to attend traditional recitals as well as jazz concerts performed by world-renowned artists and emerging talents. From 12 to 16 February. More info
  
• The Brussels Independent Film Festival, a week-long event that highlights independent and experimental filmmaking talent. Although originally dedicated to more experimental pieces, the festival has since expanded to include a wider variety of independent film offerings. In various cinemas in Brussels from 3 to 9 February. More
  
• The 16th edition of Affordable Art Fair Brussels is back between 5 and 9 February in Tour & Taxis, featuring 1000s of contemporary artworks from 85 Belgian and international galleries. Details
  
• Together with Bozar, the renowned Polish festival Unsound presents its first Belgian edition. It debuts in Brussels with a line-up of contemporary and experimental music. Highlights include Piotr Kurek, Ego Death, Aho Ssan and Resina, Rainy Miller, Raphael Rogiński and other innovative artists. 14 & 15 February. More info
  
• As the world’s capital of comics, a new exhibition dedicated to Mr. Invincible has landed at Brussels Comic Art Museum. Mr. Invincible: Beyond the panels, explores the life of this mysterious superhero who effortlessly breaks through the panels of a comic page. The comic series sprung from the mind of French author Pascal Jousselin, who popularised the meta-comic to the general public through the series. While visiting the Museum, you can also jump on the exhibition A Century of Belgian Comics, available through 2025. Read more
  
• The Afropolitan Festival 2025 celebrates joy as resistance and liberation, paying tribute to Black communities that have overcome adversity with resilience. Artists such as Aja Monet, Kolinga and Mwezé Ngangura will participate in this event highlighting Black artistic experiences as drivers of positive transformation. From 27 Feb to 2 March. More info
  
• “Alechinsky, Pinceau Voyageur” – For the very first time since its opening to the public in 2010, the Boghossian Foundation presents a solo exhibition devoted to a major European artist of the 20th century, in the welcoming and unique setting of the Villa Empain. The expo is an ode to travel, freedom and friendship, featuring an exceptional collection of approximately one hundred pieces alongside numerous archival documents amassed over the last seventy years. Until 16 March. More here
  
• The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium has an exhibition Drafts: From Rubens to Khnopff, which runs until 16 February. Step into the studio and witness the creative process firsthand, capturing the essence of a work of art from the very first sketch—whether on a blank sheet, a wooden panel, or a piece of cardboard. Divo into the behind-the-scenes of creations by iconic artists such as Rogier van der Weyden, Rembrandt, Rubens, Magritte, and many others. More details
  
• The Art Center for Digital Cultures & Technology presents an exhibition focused on raising awareness around the concept of “care.” Inspired by Wislawa Szymborska’s poem End and Beginning, the exhibition Fin et Début / Einde en Begin explores the relationship between humans and technology, delving into the various possibilities for the future of humanity. Until 16 February. More info
  
• The Horta Museum presents Smooth as Velvet, featuring five artists who will transform the house’s walls until 30 May, 2025. This fabric choice highlights Horta’s love for textiles, especially silk, and underscores the architectural importance of textiles as a source of ornamentation. Discover more
  
• The Great Smurfs Adventure at Brussels Expo, fans of all ages can step into their magical world, take on the role of a real Smurf and explore the Smurf village with its iconic mushroom houses and mystical forest. More info
  
• The Design Museum Brussels presents Untold Stories – Women Designers in Belgium, 1880-1980, the works of over 50 women designers and makers active in Belgium between 1880 and 1980. Featuring a diverse range of objects, many of which have never been displayed before. This groundbreaking showcase celebrates the under-appreciated contributions of women to Belgian craft and design. Until 13 April. More info
  
• The Anima Festival will present more than 150 animated films, with a focus on experimental Austrian animation. The 2025 edition will be held at Flagey and Marni in Brussels and at a dozen other venues across Belgium from 28 February to 9 March. More info
  
• The exhibition The Worlds of Paul Delvaux in Liège offers an unprecedented display of the work of this world-renowned Belgian artist. Until 16 March. More info

Weekend ideas: Step back 2,200 years and explore ancient China with the Terracotta Army exhibition in Brussels. Discover the grandeur of the Terracotta Warriors and the legacy of China’s First Emperor. Embark on this extraordinary journey at Tour & Taxis. More info

If you are a music aficionado, discover unique selection of festivals, concerts and parties all around Brussels, Belgium & nearby European cities, in our dedicated February music agenda!