2026 is speeding up fast! Before we bring you some of the best things to do & see in Brussels, here are a few interesting reads: We continue with the series Small Museums, Big Stories where our collaborator Salvatore Costantino shines a light on hidden cultural gems in the city. This time, discover La Fonderie and learn about the rise and fall of La Compagnie des Bronzes in Brussels, which was one of the most renowned factories for bronzes at the time. Fun fact: even the fences of the New York zoo in the Bronx were made by them! 🙂
Recently we stumbled upon a very interesting story from the New York Times about a collective of artists who turned a crumbling Brussels building into their own creative playground. In this video tour the artist-roommates show off their shared townhouse in central Saint Josse (EU quarter, near Arts-Loi) where virtually everything is made by themselves.
Top tips for the coming weeks:
Bright Brussels Festival is back for its 10th edition! 2026 edition will bring a majestic illuminated trail through the historic centre of Brussels from 12 to 15 February. Expect more than twenty luminous artworks and sparkling activities from Brussels Park to the Royal Theatre of La Monnaie.
For the opera aficionados, Benvenuto Cellini, richly coloured masterpiece, will be staged for the first time at La Monnaie from 28 January to 17 February. An eventful story, a grandiose score, an exuberant staging: all the ingredients you need for a memorable carnival celebration. Equally, don’t miss the kids concert The Nutcracker, and the free immersive light show on the façade of la Monnaie during Bright Brussels Festival.
For five days, Flagey will be dedicated to the piano in all its forms: concerts, conferences and exhibitions. Discover traditional recitals as well as jazz performed by world-renowned artists and emerging talents. Enjoy Flagey Piano Days from 11 to 15 February.
Expo: If you fancy a quick trip from Brussels, La Boverie in Liège hosts a major retrospective devoted to Robert Doisneau, one of the greatest masters of 20th-century photography. Nearly 400 images, ranging from his early work in the 1930s to the end of his career, are featured in a rich and sensitive display.
On the occasion of the first edition of the Salon Winssinger, three Brussels galleries – Irène Laub Gallery, Whitehouse Gallery, and the Galerie Michèle Schoonjans, joined forces to create a new event dedicated to contemporary art. It will be held in an exceptional Art Nouveau townhouse in Saint-Gilles, providing an intimate and unique setting for the discovery of artworks. The Salon Winssinger forms an integral part of Brussels’ particularly vibrant cultural calendar, alongside PhotoBrussels, Ceramics Brussels, and BRAFA. On 30 & 31 Jan & 1 Feb from 2 to 6 PM.
WeLoveBrussels activities for groups:
Discover Brussels in a deliciously different way with a guided walk through iconic neighbourhoods, paired with tastings from three renowned Belgian artisanal chocolatiers. Perfect for colleagues, friends or family, this experience blends culture, conversation and the true taste of Belgian pralines.
Just announced: Alvin Ailey, the legendary New York modern dance company comes to Brussels with two brand-new programs. Blending heritage and creation, this modern dance ballet promises to be one of the major choreographic events of 2026. Don’t miss!
Passa Porta bookstore in the city center announced the opening of an English-language store next door. The store should open this April, as reported by BRUZZ.
More February tips: Anima, the Brussels International Animation Film Festival returns from 20 February to 1 March. Expect ten days devoted entirely to animated films at Flagey, Marni, and Cinematek.
It Takes a City – the second edition of performing arts festival brings new productions and overview of the Brussels performing arts scene. Presented by Atelier 210, La Balsamine, beursschouwburg, Charleroi-danse, Les Halles de Schaerbeek, Kaaitheater, Kunstenwerkplaats and workspacebrussels, events take place from 5 to 14 February.
Bartók Festival at Bozar brings a chance to enjoy in the traditional folk music alongside Béla Bartók’s masterpieces such as the Second Violin Concerto and the Romanian Dances. From 6-12 February.
Affordable Art Fair Brussels will return for its 17th edition from 4 to 8 February. Over 85 Belgian and international galleries will showcase thousands of affordable contemporary artworks.
The first Brussels Multilingualism Week takes place from 9 to 14 February.
EU Quarter tips:
Exceptional opening of the Pavilion of Human Passions during evening hours from Thursdays to Sundays, until 8 March 2026. Hidden in Brussels’ Cinquantenaire Park, this neoclassical gem was the first public commission for the young Victor Horta. Inside, there is an impressive relief by Jef Lambeaux, a monumental Carrara marble masterpiece depicting the pleasures and misfortunes of humanity. The Pavillon has sparked imaginations since its completion in 1898. This winter, visitors can experience the monumental relief through a contemporary light and music projection by artist Antoine Goldschmidt.
The Info Hub at the European Parliament continues with its series of lunchtime concerts – the Tuesday Concerts. This is a wonderful occasion to bring a touch of harmony and relaxed flair into the busy EU Quarter. Free access.
Tuesday Lunch Tours. Topic for February: Feelings in History. Feelings play a large part in historical narratives – join one of the tours and uncover some of the emotions behind historical events through the vast collection of the House of European History. Tours are in English and last 45 minutes. Free access and no booking required. Start at the Family Kiosk.
Recently open:
Autoworld museum celebrates a double anniversary with Mercedes, The Story of the Star, the major exhibition highlighting 140 years of Mercedes-Benz and the 100th anniversary of the Daimler-Benz merger. From the 1886 Benz three-wheeler to the striking AMG ONE, more than fifty iconic and rare models showcase the brand’s innovation, elegance and racing heritage. Until 22 February.
The Back to Pompeii exhibition in Brussels is open at Tour & Taxis, taking visitors back in time to Pompeii, the ancient city that was frozen in time by the Vesuvius. Discover the daily life of a Pompeian family in immersive settings of exceptional quality. Explore reconstructed Roman homes, artisan workshops and entertainment venues, all recreated with precision and attention to detail.
Various community events:
– A selection of events at The Nine:
– Thriving in the Brussels Bubble: Mentorship, Resilience & Building Networks 24 Feb
– Photo expo by Mathieu Van Assche at La Belladone in Saint Gilles.
– The Arts Society Brussels lecture – Art & Revolution: The Russian avant-garde during the steel age. On 4 February.
– Rosas, P.A.R.T.S. and Ictus inaugurate their renewed Brussels home with Opening Festival 164VANVOLXEM. From 30 January – 22 February, celebrate and share their vibrant creative hub with more than 45 artists, students and 40 different events: dance performances, concerts, workshops, films, exhibitions, guided tours, talks and a dance battle.
Something different: The Brussels Winter Handicap is back for its 102nd edition on 15 February! This iconic 6.2 km rowing race runs alongside the Brussels Canal, starting at 1 p.m. in the park behind the Royal Palace of Laeken, before continuing to the Salangaan cycle bridge in Vilvoorde. Looking for a unique outing this Valentine’s Day weekend? Discover this spectacular waterside race!
In case you missed: Brussels Cathedral celebrates 800 years
The Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula celebrates eight centuries of history with a special program combining music, heritage, and spirituality. A true masterpiece of Brabantine Gothic, the cathedral has dominated Brussels since the 13th century. Activities, tours, and commemorative events invite you to discover this iconic landmark from a fresh perspective. All events on Gudula 26.
One of the highlights: LUMINISCENCE, a unique sensory journey where light and live music unite to bring the history of this legendary monument back to life. Monumental 360 degrees video mapping projections will transform the stone into a living work of art along with region’s finest choirs performing the great classics of Gregorian music. Shows run until March to celebrate the Gudula Year 2026.
Also happening:
- Maison Hannon hosts Echoes of Dreams, an exhibition about symbolism in Brussels. An opportunity to be marvelled by this 20th century art style while visiting one of the best Art Nouveau houses in town. Until 19 April.
- PhotoBrussels is back for its 10th edition. More than 100 artists explore the richness and diversity of a visual language through 52 exhibitions presented by contemporary art galleries, home galleries, art centers, and museums. Until 22 February.
- The Boghossian Foundation in Villa Empain presents Fire, an exhibition that brings together around fifty modern and contemporary artists from diverse backgrounds around the captivating theme of fire. Until 1 March.
- Georges Meurant meets Bonolo Kavula is new permanent room for modern & contemporary art at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium with displays that will change twice a year. Until March 2026.
- Spain takes over this year’s edition of Europalia festival, bringing visual arts, music, flamenco, cinema, literature and talks to over 30 different venues.
- New exhibition Biblioteca Nacional by Elsa Paricio opened in the Project Space of the Villa Empain.For the first time in Belgium, the Spanish artist presents a series of works on paper, videos, and installations. The original scenography, specially created for the exhibition, revolves around the monumental work Biblioteca Nacional, a poetic accumulation of traces, a memory in the making.
- For this year dedicated to Art Deco, Maison Autrique hosts expo Loisirs-Plezier Brussels 1920-1940. Explore the leisure and daily life of Brussels’ residents during the interwar period. Until 12 April.
- Design and Comics: Living in a Box. The expo at Design Museum explores design and its relationship to the world of comics. Until 1 March.
- The Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences invites you to take flight and discover how animals and humans are able to soar through the skies. An exhibition that explores both nature and technology, FLIGHT presents a magnificent array of fossils, stuffed birds and model aeroplanes. Recommended for visitors aged 10 and above. Until 9 August 2026.
- The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium presents Spilliaert Room, a new room dedicated to the poetic and mysterious world of the Belgian painter, illustrator and draughtsman Léon Spilliaert.
- For festivals, concerts, parties and music events in Brussels and around the country, find complete information in BrusselsMusicAgenda.com
So many cultural novelties this year all around Belgium – We expect reopening of the Middelheim Museum in Antwerp with a big outdoor sculpture park, as well as reopening of the Design Museum in Ghent this autumn. Additionally, Bruges gets a brand new museum BRUSK, opening with an exhibition devoted to the role of Bruges in the medieval era.
