After nearly eight years of renovation work, Brussels’ first museum of modern and contemporary art is finally set to open its doors in November 2026! Housed in the iconic former Citroën garage, KANAL covers 40,000m² and has been designed as a living museum. It not only features exhibition spaces and galleries, but also boasts a rooftop terrace, a unique playground, and an artisan bakery. True to its mission of being open to all, this extraordinary venue combines the visual arts with a multidisciplinary ‘live’ programme featuring performances, sound art and participatory projects, thereby fostering a direct exchange between art and the public. Since 2018, KANAL has been building a collection that reflects Brussels and Belgium. This collection places local artists at the heart of the museum, acquiring works by established and emerging talents such as Francis Alÿs, Ann Veronica Janssens and Walter Swennen, not to mention masterpieces by Sonia Delaunay and Henri Matisse on loan from the Centre Pompidou.
The flagship venue: KANAL – Centre Pompidou
Metro lines 2–6: Ijzer-Yser station; Tram 51: Sainctelette stop; Bus 46: Ijzer-Yser stop.
Other must-sees: iMAL, MAD Brussels, the Vanhaerents Art Collection
Its DNA: Industrial and trendy
With the canal running through its heart, this diverse and creative neighbourhood is probably one of the liveliest in Brussels. Architectural gems, community projects, and sustainable initiatives all contribute to the identity of the capital’s former industrial and port centre. From street art and derelict industrial sites to urban farms and alternative music, discover a vibrant neighbourhood with a touch of the underground.
Its next-door neighbour, the Dansaert district, is undoubtedly the trendiest in the city centre. Around the iconic rue de Flandres (named one of the coolest streets on the planet), designer boutiques, concept stores, design shops, and trendy cafés are a hipster’s paradise. At its heart, MAD Brussels – Brussels’ centre of expertise for the fashion and design sectors – showcases the work of local stylists and designers all year round.