Fairs and exhibitions: a year of major artistic events in Brussels

Eclectic by definition, the BRAFA (Brussels Art Fair) covers a wide artistic spectrum, from antiquity to the 21^st century and all disciplines combined. Art nouveau jewellery, 18^th-century chests of drawers, precious earthenware, African masks, design objects and contemporary works... more than 100 international exhibitors offer wide variety every year. And it is this atypical mix that makes the oldest art and antiques fair in Belgium so special. To spice up your visit, every edition invites a guest of honour for an exceptional solo show, for example Gilbert & George, Arne Quinze and Christo.

Every January

Contemporary ceramics have enjoyed a resurgence in recent years. Against this backdrop, ceramic Brussels is intended as a meeting place for enthusiasts, galleries and young artists from Brussels and beyond. With its maximalist works and refined installations, glazed and raw stoneware surfaces, craftsmanship and sculptural curves, this young fair showcases ceramics in all its diversity, and has established itself as a leading event in the field!

Every January 

Take several of Brussels' cultural venues, add a joint programme of contemporary photography and a healthy dose of passion: and you've got yourself the Photo Brussels Festival! For a whole month, galleries, art centres, foundations, bookshops and other unique venues will host a brand-new exhibition focusing on a particular country, technique or artist. It's the perfect opportunity to take a closer look at the contemporary photography of today!

End of January to beginning of February 

Launched in London twenty years ago, the Affordable Art Fair (AAF) is anchored today in the plethora of contemporary art fairs around the world. In Brussels, the young team leading the project is cultivating its sense of the unpredictable, with "enjoy the unexpected" as its motto. It is the perfect place to spot the artists of tomorrow, find affordable works and learn all about the latest trends. There's something for all tastes and budgets!

In February

Somewhere between the unique and the mass-produced, limited editions are all the rage. Both affordable and innovative, these works produced in small numbers embrace a wide range of possibilities, from lithography and engraving to illustration, photography and ceramics. Publishers and galleries from Brussels and around the world will be flocking to Villa Empain to showcase their graphic worlds at the Limited Edition Art Fair. 

Every year in March

The Rooms is a new arrival in the lively community of Brussels fairs, the brainchild of art dealer Patrick Mestdagh and gallery owner Sébastien Janssen. The former specialises in non-European ethnic arts, the latter in contemporary art, and they have chosen to take over one of Brussels' design temples, the Mix Hôtel. For one weekend, the fair will take place in the hotel's rooms, offering visitors a unique and intimate experience. Some thirty contemporary art galleries, art dealers and antique dealers have already responded to the call!

Every year in June

For over 50 years, Art Brussels has been one of the most exciting contemporary art fairs in Europe. Its abundant Discovery section, reflecting the energy of emerging talents, is always sharp and international. And the surprises don't stop there, as the 68 Forward section showcasesthe diversity of contemporary approaches whilst providing a platform for both established artists and those who have remained in the shadows. We love the recent boom in solo shows, which allow us to enter an artist's world first hand. It is the place to be for collectors, art lovers and those curious about contemporary art!

Every April

A newcomer to Brussels, RendezVous presents contemporary art from the four corners of the capital. With the aim of bringing a breath of fresh air to the art gallery world, this event, led by Laure Decock and Evelyn Simons, celebrates the richness and diversity of Brussels' contemporary art scene. Over the course of a weekend, enjoy new exhibitions from over 40 participating galleries, arty itineraries and guided tours through the city's districts (downtown, uptown and midtown), vernissages and original performances.

Every September

The Sablon district is historically and intimately linked to art. Home to antique dealers and artists, it boasts over a hundred galleries nestled in its picturesque alleys. From ancient Japanese art to 19^th-century sculpture, designer furniture and master paintings, Brussels Art Square brings together this dynamic community of gallery owners. The heart of the Sablon district will be bustling with activity for a weekend!

Every September 

Over a wekend, this exhibition presents a unique panorama of contemporary approaches to drawing. From engravings to watercolours and sculpture on paper, the 60 or so participating galleries cover the ancient to the contemporary with great agility. It's a wonderful opportunity to (re)discover contemporary drawing, its history, its artists and its practices.

In October