Be my guide
Discover our brand new audioguides for the Dinosaur Gallery. In "Be My Guide", none other than actress Tine Embrechts and comedian Kody take you through the dinosaur era, together with our museum guides.
Everything you need to know about dinosaurs in 20 minutes, from their early stages as slender bipeds to the fatal meteorite impact! Audioguides are in Dutch and French.
Discover our brand new audioguides for the Dinosaur Gallery. In "Be My Guide", none other than actress Tine Embrechts and comedian Kody take you through the dinosaur era, together with our museum guides.
Everything you need to know about dinosaurs in 20 minutes, from their early stages as slender bipeds to the fatal meteorite impact! Audioguides are in Dutch and French.
Two versions are available: one for children and one for adults. Listen to them on the spot - face to face with the Iguanodons - or at home on your couch, as a podcast! Go to bemyguide.be, or listen on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts or the Geluidshuis app.
Institute of Natural Sciences
Brussels
Exhibitions
Be my guide
Gallery of Humankind - Our evolution, our body
From Sahelanthropus to Homo Sapiens, from embryo to adult: explore the human evolution and human body. Follow fossils and 3D reconstructions down the branching paths of 7 million years of evolution, explore the adaptations that set us apart from our predecessors, and witness the complex machine that is the human body.
Institute of Natural Sciences
Brussels
Exhibitions
Gallery of Humankind - Our evolution, our body
Le Tetrapodium et l'Arthropodium
Institute of Natural Sciences
Brussels
Exhibitions
Le Tetrapodium et l'Arthropodium
Living Planet
The first time I was taken to the Institute of Natural Sciences when I was seven is a visit I’ll never forget; that herd of dinosaurs in that 19th-century glass and iron building created indelible memories. That reaction is what the museum hopes to provoke with its new permanent exhibit called “Living Planet”. The “modern” building extensions are 70 years old, so the Royal Institute has been renovating the interiors over the past few years, highlighting the natural light which pervades the buildings and extending the digital capabilities of the exhibitions to create an emotional bond between the visitor and the subject matter. “Living Planet” celebrates biodiversity. Going through some of the 37 million specimens in its reserves, the curators chose 850 to populate the new exhibit, which underlines the interdependence between the different species before exploring both the natural and man-made disruptions that threaten worldwide biodiversity.
Institute of Natural Sciences
Brussels
Exhibitions
Living Planet
Art & History Museum - galleries
Step inside this historic building, one of the biggest museums in Belgium and erected by former Belgian King Leopold II. Discover a wealth of artefacts from prehistoric times over antiquity and the European applied arts to a vast collection of non-European art.
Art & History Museum (RMAH)
Brussels
Exhibitions
Art & History Museum - galleries
New galleries Belgian Art Nouveau and Art Deco
The Museum of Art and History will inaugurate on June 13th, covering over 1200 m², two new galleries dedicated to 19th-century decorative arts, Belgian Art Nouveau and Art Deco. Visitors will be able to admire numerous masterpieces, including, notably, as a monumental highlight, the restored and reconstructed winter garden of the Cousin house, according to the plans of Victor Horta.
Art & History Museum (RMAH)
Brussels
Exhibitions
New galleries Belgian Art Nouveau and Art Deco
Stoclet 1911 - Restitution
Stoclet 1911 - Restitution is now on show at LAB·AN x Hotel van Eetvelde, following its debut at the Art and History Museum in Brussels. The exhibition presents a never-before-seen digital reconstruction of the interiors as they looked around 1911. It's a unique opportunity to explore the remarkable décor of this building, which has been on UNESCO's World Heritage List since 2009.
Result of a collaboration between urban.brussels, the ULB - Architecture Faculty La Cambre Horta and the Art & History Museum, initiated to mark the Brussels Art Nouveau Year 2023, this exhibition and the digital reconstruction presented in the form of a film are designed to enable visitors to explore the interiors of the Palais Stoclet, which has been on the very select list of Brussels buildings included on UNESCO's World Heritage List since 2009, and yet is still little known to the general public.
The virtual reconstruction of this palace (which reproduces the state of the palace between 1911 and 1918 and does not represent the existing situation) is based on precise archival sources and a detailed architectural analysis of its spaces, a task that kept the ULB team of experts busy for almost two years. This scientific study of the Stoclet Palace is part of a close collaboration between experts from the Brussels-Capital Region (Urban.brussels) and ULB (alICe Laboratory). Its realism reinforces the impression that visitors are being immersed in the building's original state, between 1911 and 1918: the public is discovering the palace exactly as the couple Suzanne Stevens and Adolphe Stoclet dreamed it would be.
Through this research, the Brussels Region hopes not only to make this knowledge accessible to as many people as possible, but also to build up a scientific information base on the spatial nature of the building and its remarkable decorations. Behind this digital documentation project, the research carried out by the AlICe laboratory at the Faculty of Architecture (ULB) aims to consolidate a knowledge base around the three-dimensional representation of the building, which will be enriched over time. The digitisation of the floors, service areas and gardens of the Palais Stoclet will be added to the work already carried out. The work of reconstituting the original art collection will also continue, so that this digital double of the building can gradually be reintegrated.
Hôtel van Eetvelde X LAB·AN
Brussels
Exhibitions
Stoclet 1911 - Restitution
À cheval sur le dos des oiseaux
Le Senghor - Centre Culturel d’Etterbeek
Etterbeek
Theatre
À cheval sur le dos des oiseaux
Vaiana/Robert/Fiorini 'Daedalos'
Jazz Station
Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode
Concert
Vaiana/Robert/Fiorini 'Daedalos'
La vie n’est pas utile
Théâtre Varia
Ixelles
Show
La vie n’est pas utile
L’invisible n’est pas inexistant
Théâtre Varia
Ixelles
Theatre
L’invisible n’est pas inexistant
« Comment raconter l’indicible à l’écran ? »
Sabam
Etterbeek
Cinema
« Comment raconter l’indicible à l’écran ? »
Brussels Oktoberfest 2026
Brussels Oktoberfest brings the authentic spirit of Bavaria to the heart of Europe. From 14 to 24 October 2026, the iconic Cinquantenaire Park will host an immersive celebration of Bavarian traditions, food, music and hospitality. A unique cultural experience where Belgian hospitality meets the legendary Oktoberfest atmosphere.
Brussels Oktoberfest brings the authentic spirit of Bavaria to the heart of Europe. From 14 to 24 October 2026, the iconic Cinquantenaire Park will be transformed into a vibrant Bavarian village, welcoming visitors for an immersive celebration of tradition, music, food and hospitality. With long communal tables, live entertainment, traditional cuisine and the legendary Oktoberfest atmosphere, the event offers a unique opportunity to experience one of Europe’s most iconic celebrations without leaving Brussels. Bringing together Belgian and international visitors, Brussels Oktoberfest is more than a festival: it is a cultural experience where Bavarian tradition meets Belgian hospitality, creating unforgettable moments of conviviality, celebration and shared experiences.
Esplanade du Cinquantenaire
Brussels
Festival
Brussels Oktoberfest 2026
Alluvions
Alluvions
Esther Babulik, Aurore Scotet, Jeanne Pruvot Simonneaux, Léa Brami
KULT XL Ateliers
Ixelles
Exhibitions
Alluvions
Expo: Ilja Sircenko
GC De Maalbeek
Etterbeek
Exhibitions
Expo: Ilja Sircenko
Dans ma rue
Maison de la Francité
Brussels
Exhibitions
Dans ma rue
Autoworld 40 Years – Looking back to the future
From 11 September to 13 December, Autoworld will bring back to the museum the crème de la crème of more than 100 temporary exhibitions. The exhibition will feature cars and motorcycles that have appeared in one of Autoworld’s many past exhibitions and that each have a special link with the history of the museum.
From 11 September to 13 December, Autoworld will bring back to the museum the crème de la crème of more than 100 temporary exhibitions. The exhibition will feature cars and motorcycles that have appeared in one of Autoworld’s many past exhibitions and that each have a special link with the history of the museum.
‘Autoworld 40 Years – Looking back to the future’ will not be a classic retrospective, but an eclectic and surprising look back at 40 years of Autoworld. Visitors will discover vehicles ranging from pre-war models to modern supercars, including the Bugatti Type 35, the Lamborghini Miura, the rare Muntz Jet, the unique Toyota 2000GT Targa from James Bond, the “flying” Citroën DS and the Porsche 918.
The latter is coming at the request of the public. In July, Autoworld asked visitors which cars they would like to see again at the museum. The answers were enthusiastic and remarkably diverse, but one thing became clear once again: supercars remain extremely popular. The Porsche 918 clearly stood out as the most requested car. We are therefore delighted to announce its presence.
Each vehicle will be linked to the exhibition in which it was once displayed. The exhibition will also include a wall presenting an overview of all the exhibitions Autoworld has organised over the years. A short video will summarise 40 years of Autoworld through images, moments and memories from the museum’s history.
Autoworld
Brussels
Exhibitions
Autoworld 40 Years – Looking back to the future
Postcolonial?
The House of European History explores Europe’s colonial legacy in its new temporary exhibition “Postcolonial?”
Starting with the structural foundations of European colonialism, going through how Europeans preserved power as their empires collapsed and in what manner that affected newly independent countries, the exhibition takes us to present times. It invites us to reflect on the ways colonial history still shapes life today.
Following the Second World War, colonial power seemed to crumble. From 1945 to the end of the twentieth century, more than 80 colonies overcame European rule and declared independence. After decades or even centuries of resistance to brutal oppression, their victories appeared to mark a decisive break with the past. But appearances can be deceiving.
How did the colonial matrix of power – the ideas, events, inequalities and injustices born of colonialism – continue to shape the modern world?
Unique artworks, historical objects and personal stories accompany the visitor throughout this much-needed European reckoning with colonialism.
House of European History
Brussels
Exhibitions
Postcolonial?
Seinement : danse et cancer
Dance and movement workshops specially designed for women affected by cancer. In a supportive environment, participants explore movement, breathing and physical expression to promote physical, emotional and social wellbeing. No prior dance experience is required. A space to look after yourself, regain confidence and share a moment of connection with other women.
Art&CareLab with Iris & Muriel
Pavi'on
Brussels
Courses and workshops
Seinement : danse et cancer
Postcolonial? exhibition guided tours
Guided tour of the Postcolonial? exhibition are available upon booking, in English, French, Dutch and German for groups of 10+. For a general (adult) audience, duration: 90 minutes
The general guided tour offers an overview of the Postcolonial? exhibition for adult visitors, focusing on the historical link between colonialism and racism. Through selected artworks and objects, the tour explores how colonial expansion contributed to the formation of political, economic, and social structures that still organise power, wealth, and inequality today.
House of European History
Brussels
Guided tours
Postcolonial? exhibition guided tours
Postcolonial? art & resistance guided tours
Art & resistance - for advocacy groups/special interest groups. Duration: 90 minutes.
This tour focuses on art as a tool for empowerment, self-representation, and anticolonial and decolonial struggle. It proposes an interpretive path that foregrounds how artistic practices can challenge dominant narratives, connect histories, and speak back to structures of oppression.
House of European History
Brussels
Guided tours
Postcolonial? art & resistance guided tours
Soireeke
A drink for the parents, fun and games for the children, and a relaxed atmosphere for everyone.
Get your weekend off to a great start with Soireeke! A drink for the parents, fun and games for the children, and a relaxed atmosphere for everyone. Soireeke is the go-to Friday night event for families with primary school-aged children, and there’s always a light bite to eat at reasonable prices. * For parents with children ages 6–12
GC De Maalbeek
Etterbeek
Animations
Soireeke
Kim Versteynen & Tim Finoulst
Jazz Station
Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode
Concert
Kim Versteynen & Tim Finoulst
INUIT - Impressions of the Canadian Far North
With nearly 250 artworks on display, this major exhibition offers the European public a rare opportunity to discover contemporary Inuit art. This expo shows the Inuit world, exploring traditions, Arctic fauna, and contemporary concerns such as climate change. Using prints, drawings and sculptures, these artists explore the human-animal relationship, identity and the transformation of landscapes.
With nearly 250 artworks on display, this exhibition offers the European public a rare opportunity to discover contemporary Inuit art. Moving beyond an ethnographic approach, the exhibited works are first and foremost those of artists whose creations engage with the major challenges of our time and with
the authentic voices of the Inuit communities of Nunavut and Nunavik.
Using prints, drawings and sculptures, these artists explore the human-animal relationship, along with concepts such as memory, identity and the transformation of landscapes and territories.
Inspired by the collection assembled by the Belgian poet Carl Norac, with additional contributions from several major European museums, the exhibition highlights the rich variety of materials and the diversity of artistic techniques.
Art & History Museum (RMAH)
Brussels
Exhibitions
INUIT - Impressions of the Canadian Far North
Pilates @ lunchtime
Pilates consists of exercises to stretch and tone the body. You work for stronger muscles as well as body posture.
Pilates consists of exercises to stretch and tone the body. You work for stronger muscles as well as body posture. An ideal prevention to injuries, for recovery of for an excellent physical condition. Accessible to all levels and ages.
GC De Maalbeek
Etterbeek
Sport
Pilates @ lunchtime
Animazing
SEE NATURE LIKE NEVER BEFORE
Sleeping upright, changing colour with the seasons, running like a marathon champion, or seeing in every direction at once…
Incredible, but true!
Welcome to the fascinating world of ANIMAZING. Through captivating stories, 78 animals reveal their extraordinary abilities and remarkable survival strategies. From the sea slug that can photosynthesise to the acrobatic spider monkey, every species has an amazing story to tell.
A bold exhibition design invites visitors of all ages into a world where nature never ceases to astound and inspire.
Both moving and playful, ANIMAZING encourages everyone to look at the living world with fresh eyes, reflect on the relationship between humans and nature, and imagine the future. This colourful journey awakens the senses, stirs curiosity, and sparks positive emotions at every step.
What if nature pushed the boundaries of the possible?
Yes, they can!
ANIMAZING – the exhibition where every animal hides something extraordinary. For explorers ages 8 and up.
Institute of Natural Sciences
Brussels
Exhibitions
Animazing
The Spilliaert Trio – works by Mozart, Mel Bonis and César Franck
Programme
W. A. Mozart: Trio No. 2 in D minor, K.442 (completed by M. Stadler)
I Allegro II Andantino, in minuet tempo III Allegro
Mel Bonis: Evening and Morning
César Franck: Trio No. 2 in E flat major, Op. 1/2
I Allegro moderato II Andantino III Minuetto IV Final
Formed in Brussels, the Spilliaert Trio owes its name and initial inspiration to the Belgian painter Léon Spilliaert (1881–1946). It comprises pianist Gauvain de Morant, violinist Jean-Samuel Bez and cellist Guillaume Lagravière.
The Spilliaert Trio is an affiliate member of Chamber Music for Europe, a laureate of the Royaumont Foundation, a member of the Dimore del Quartetto network in Italy, and part of the Proquartet ensembles in Paris. They are featured in the Art et Vie catalogue of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. Their first album, released on Cyprès Records (2021), is dedicated to a complete recording of the trios by the composer Désiré Pâque.
In 2021, they made the very first recording of Camille Saint-Saëns’ Trio 1848. In 2022, they released a second album, on the Cybele label, featuring the complete trios by Jacqueline Fontyn, followed by ‘Augusta’ in 2024, a Belgian-Irish project centred on Augusta Holmès (LP), and finally ‘Alchemy’, their fourth album, a complete recording of the trio music by Alex de Taeye and Lucie Vellère, due to be released on Cypres in 2026.
The Trio has made it its mission to perform and champion the Belgian repertoire, with the support of the Musicabel association, by including a work by a Belgian composer in every concert. In 2023, this commitment was recognised with the FUGA Prize, awarded by the Union of Belgian Composers.
Keen to showcase contemporary music, the three musicians are dedicated to performing the music of our time, creating new works and collaborating with festivals such as Belgian Music Days and Osmose.
The Trio regularly commissions new works, notably from Jan Kuijken, Alithéa Ripoll and Nicolas Bacri. It has also contributed to performances in collaboration with theatre and dance companies, and created the show *Monsieur Pâque* for the Jeunesses Musicales de Wallonie-Bruxelles.
Having won several prizes in international competitions, the Spilliaert Trio notably won First Prize at the Svirél International Competition in Slovenia and the City of Lège-Cap-Ferret Prize at the Open Cap Ferret. Active on the Belgian and international scene, it has performed at numerous festivals in Belgium and France.
the pianist Gauvain de Morant, the violinist Jean-Samuel Bez and the cellist Guillaume Lagravière.
Atelier Marcel Hastir
Brussels
Concert
The Spilliaert Trio – works by Mozart, Mel Bonis and César Franck
Cuisinema Pakistan: Joyland
GC De Maalbeek
Etterbeek
Cinema
Cuisinema Pakistan: Joyland
Bill Stewart Trio ft. Larry Grenadier & Walter Smith III
Jazz Station
Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode
Concert
Bill Stewart Trio ft. Larry Grenadier & Walter Smith III
Museum Night Fever @Expo Inuit
Museum Night Fever returns for a wild museum night!
This autumn, the Art & History Museum presents the exhibition Inuit, Impressions from the Canadian Far North. Through graphic works and sculptures, contemporary Inuit artists invite us into their world, sharing their memories and exploring the challenges they face today. Curious to discover the stories and choices behind the exhibition? Join us for a Meet the Curator guided tour. Want to learn more about the Inuit worldview and lived experience? Let yourself be carried away by the storytelling session Whispers from beneath the ice. Feeling inspired to get creative yourself? Then join us at the Open Atelier Ouvert and have a go!
And that’s not all! Brussels-based artist Anouck Thibaut will be presenting her work Inukshuk exclusively selected for the occasion, while the artists of Créahm Bxl are preparing a series of special interventions.
PROGRAMME
- Meet the curator: Meet the people behind the exhibition Inuit. Impressions from the Canadian Far North. Curator and conservator Serge Lemaître and co-curators Anne-Françoise Martin and Florence Cosme share their story of how the exhibition came to life. Why were certain works selected? How did the exhibition concept evolve and which stories lie behind its presentation? Throughout this exclusive tour, discover the exhibition in a different way, through the eyes of those who brought it to life.
20:00 EN (Serge Lemaître) / 20:00 FR (Florence Cosme) / 21:00 FR (Anne-Françoise Martin)
45 min. - Please register on the night at reception
- Whispers from beneath the ice: For the Inuit, stories are much more than just a way to pass the time. They bring people together, fill the silences during long hunting expeditions, and pass on important values and life lessons from one generation to the next. Some stories are made up, whilst others are as old as the stones themselves.
Stroll past the unique graphic works of modern Inuit artists and let yourself be swept away by a carefully curated selection of stories. Experience a world brought to life through storytelling, where the boundaries between the visible and the invisible are blurred and where humans and animals live together in harmony.
19:30 / 20:30 / 21:30 / 22:30 (FR-NL-EN)
15 min. - Please register on the night at reception
- Open Atelier Ouvert: Modern Inuit art is characterised by clean lines, simplified silhouettes, contrasting shapes and a rich imagination. Take a seat at the studio tables in the exhibition and experiment with colours and shapes. Get creative with watercolour pencils: a touch of pigment and a little water to create soft colour gradients and striking accents. Or try your hand at a simple block print using a woodcut and watercolour.
FR – NL – EN
Continuous 19:00 - 00:30
- Anouck Thibaut – Inukshuk: A lifelong fascination with the polar regions and Inuit culture lies at the heart of Anouck Thibaut’s artistic practice. Since beginning her studies in Digital Arts at the Academy of Fine Arts in Ixelles (Brussels) in 2019, the inuksuk—a human-shaped stone structure that serves as a landmark in the vast Arctic landscape and stands as a powerful symbol of Inuit culture—has become the guiding thread throughout her work.
Through digital media, her installations invite viewers on a journey into the world of the Inuit while simultaneously opening a space for their own imagination. They explore themes of orientation, memory, human connection, and the relationship between people and the natural world.
Continuous 19:00 - 00:30
- Créahm Bxl – performances x artistes: Live drawing performance – Michael Mvukani Mpiolani sees space as a complete picture, where every detail in the foreground and background matters. His remarkably precise black-and-white drawings capture traffic patterns and landscapes with almost photographic realism. Like a musician with perfect pitch, Michael has an extraordinary eye for detail and a unique ability to see the world in its entirety.
Dance performances – Choreographer Joëlle Shabanov and her dancers have created, just for you, three brand-new performances inspired by the museum’s spaces.
Art & History Museum (RMAH)
Brussels
Various
Museum Night Fever @Expo Inuit
Museum Night Fever @ the Royal Military Museum
“ARTISTEZ-VOUS !”, on October 17, during Museum Night Fever, the Royal Military Museum opens its doors to urban art: come and visit the exhibition “Graff and War”, meet the artists, watch a live street art creation, participate in interactive workshops and leave with your own creations.
ON THE PROGRAMME
LIVE PAINTING
19:00-01:00 — FREAKS THE FAB-NARIZ-COOLJC ART-TOKE ONER and FRANCK GUIHAL take over the airplane hall where they will create visual artworks throughout the evening. You can expect an evening full of graffiti, artistic plasma cutting, and a participatory mural.
ENGRAVING WORKSHOP « Create your own flower of remembrance »
19:00-01:00 — The artist B4EGGS is inviting you to discover engraving through a workshop to create your own flower of remembrance, inspired by symbols from the First World War. Choose your motif, engrave it, print it, and leave the evening with your own unique creation. No need to be an artist, curiosity and willingness are more than enough!
WORKSHOP: INTRO TO SPRAY PAINT STENCILS
19:00-01:00 — Join SC FREE ART&GUEST to express your creativity through street art! Learn about the bases of spray paint stencils, play around with shapes and colours, and create your own stencil to bring home. It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or already acquainted with graffiti, enjoy the freedom to be creative and to find inspiration in an environment where history meets urban art. The activity is made to be fun and accessible to everyone.
FOLLOW THE TRAIL « Graff Hunt Game »
19:00-01:00 — Attempt to find ARSENE LAPIE by following the trail of a mysterious bird, which is the symbol of the artist in the “Graff & War” exhibition. A little surprise awaits the ones who don’t give up and make it to the finish line of the mission.
PAPER PLANES CHALLENGE
19:00-01:00 - Ready for take-off? Put your skills to the test in our big paper plane competition. Fold, launch… and see if you can beat the records! It’s up to you to make your creation fly as far as possible.
And there are some great prizes up for grabs!
DJ sets met TARMAC
21:00-01:00 - Two DJ sets are coming to the heart of the Graff&War exhibition to turn up the volume throughout the evening. Graffiti, beats and vibes come together for a unique experience where street art, history and club culture collide. Come dance, chill and discover the exhibition from a whole new perspective!
SPRAY BAR
19:00-01:00 — Feeling a little hungry or thirsty? Luckily, we have a bar right in the middle of the collections that also gives you a moment to relax.
War Heritage Institute (Royal Military Museum)
Brussels
Animations
Museum Night Fever @ the Royal Military Museum
Guided tour of the Cauchie house
La Maison Cauchie is one of the most exceptional Art Nouveau masterpieces in Brussels. Built in 1905, it was originally the home to Paul Cauchie and Caroline Voet, a couple of artists and decorators. The majestic sgraffito on the façade and the opulent decorations of the bel-étage served as a manifesto for their artistic skills. We invite you to join us for a guided tour to discover its history and unique artworks.
ATTENTION : This ticket grants access to a guided tour of The Cauchie House (La Maison Cauchie). Time and language of visit are those indicated on the ticket: FR (French), NL (Dutch), EN (English).
The guided tours are scheduled by language at the following times:
FR: 10:00, 11:30, 14:00, 15:30
NL: 14:45
EN: 10:45, 12:00, 16:00
Tour duration: 1 hour.
Access is restricted to individual visitors only. Please respect the selected time slot.
Photos are not allowed inside the building.
Group visits available upon request: info@cauchie.be
Cauchie House
Etterbeek
Guided tours
Guided tour of the Cauchie house
Individual tour of Hotel Van Eetvelde
Nestled in a UNESCO World Heritage building designed by the architect Victor Horta, the Art Nouveau Interpretation Centre (LAB-An) offers four exhibition spaces. These will offer you different keys to understanding this fascinating artistic and cultural movement.
The discovery of the Van Eetvelde Hotel and its extraordinary dome will undoubtedly be the highlight of your visit.
Important Notice
Disabled access :
Unfortunately, the buildings are not accessible to people with reduced mobility (Mainly because of the presence of many stairs that are difficult to negotiate - between three and fifteen steps)
Reduced rates :
Please note that in order to benefit from the reduced rates, you will be asked for proof on arrival.
Guided tours :
The following rates give you access to a self-guided tour of the van Eetvelde complex (Hotel, Office and exhibition spaces).
Guided tours are available for groups by prior arrangement via info@lab-an.be.
Photos authorised, without flash and only on smartphone. For all requests for professional photo shoots, please contact info@lab-an.be.
Hôtel van Eetvelde X LAB·AN
Brussels
Guided tours
Individual tour of Hotel Van Eetvelde
Creative Afternoon: Paint your own tiny house
On Sunday 18 October, we’ll be creating our own house using modelling clay, under the guidance of artist Raquel Dama.
During our monthly ‘creative afternoons’, we get creative together in an informal setting. Each month, we focus on a different theme, and the afternoons are led by artists from various disciplines. While being together, we create a space for inspiration, exchange, and new ideas. On Sunday 18 October, we’ll be creating our own house using modelling clay, under the guidance of artist Raquel Dama. Raquel is a Brazilian visual artist and architect who explores the theme of ‘home’ in her work. At the end of the afternoon, we’ll take our own house home with us, or leave it in a special spot in the neighbourhood. Everyone is welcome to join; the event is free, but register in advance!
GC De Maalbeek
Etterbeek
Courses and workshops
Creative Afternoon: Paint your own tiny house
L'IA au coeur de nos relations affectives (Films : Poumpo & Her)
Le Senghor - Centre Culturel d’Etterbeek
Etterbeek
Cinema
L'IA au coeur de nos relations affectives (Films : Poumpo & Her)
Instaprondleiding - Paviljoen der Menselijke Driften
In het Jubelpark staat een gebouwtje met de uitstraling van een Grieks tempeltje. Voor de jonge Victor Horta was dit paviljoen zijn eerste overheidsopdracht. Het ontwerp, dat Griekse elementen bevat, vertoont ook de beginselen van de art nouveau, zichtbaar in de details. Binnenin bevindt zich het monumentale reliëf De menselijke driften van Jef Lambeaux. Dit indrukwekkende kunstwerk (11 meter lang en 6 meter hoog) in Carrara-marmer beeldt de genoegens en het leed van de mensheid uit.
Sinds 1898 zijn het neoklassieke tempeltje van Victor Horta en het reliëf van Jef Lambeaux onlosmakelijk met elkaar verbonden. De gespannen relatie tussen beide kunstenaars, het sensueel kronkelende naakt, en het vanwege zijn precaire toestand vaak gesloten gebouw hebben bijgedragen aan het verhaal, 'schandaal' en mysterie rond het paviljoen. Na een grondige restauratie in 2019 hervond het paviljoen zijn oorspronkelijk grandeur.
Pavilion of Human Passions
Brussels
Guided tours
Instaprondleiding - Paviljoen der Menselijke Driften
Visite guidée pour individuels
Pavilion of Human Passions
Brussels
Guided tours
Visite guidée pour individuels
Etterbeek, le Petit Village devenu Capitale de l'Europe
Sofitel Brussels Europe
Etterbeek
Guided tours
Etterbeek, le Petit Village devenu Capitale de l'Europe
Café NL: conversatietafels Nederlands
GC De Maalbeek
Etterbeek
Courses and workshops
Café NL: conversatietafels Nederlands
Social Dancing Club (le show)
Atelier 210
Etterbeek
Show
Social Dancing Club (le show)
Reflet du cristal
Taboo instruments, sometimes dismissed because they are little
known, or considered too pure, too free in their effortless maintenance
and without physical ostentation, the Glass Harmonica and the Baschet
Crystal can nevertheless lead us towards new territories of listening.
They are among the rarest instruments and the only ones whose
creation requires the use of the four elements: fire, air and earth to
shape them, and water to make them sing. Composed of 37 glass bowls
rubbed by moistened fingers as they rotate on an axis, the glass
harmonica was invented in 1761 by Benjamin Franklin, who heard a
musician playing on wine glasses placed on a table and decided to
improve the principle. Paganini nicknamed it the angelic organ. Thanks
to the virtuosity it allows, Mozart, Beethoven, C.P.E. Bach, Weber and
Donizetti, among others, as well as contemporary composers such as
Dusapin, Benjamin and Connesson, were captivated by its sound. Film
music has also embraced it through composers such as Philippe Sarde,
Gabriel Yared, Nino Rota and Alexandre Desplat.
Thomas Bloch is internationally recognised as one of the leading
specialists of rare instruments: the ondes Martenot, the glass harmonica
and the Baschet Crystal. A highly sought-after performer, he has appeared
in approximately 3,000 concerts, notably at the Olympia in Paris, with the
Berlin Philharmonic, and at the opera houses of Los Angeles, Sydney and
Paris, as well as at Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw and Milan’s La Scala. He
has collaborated across a wide range of artistic fields with performers and
creators as diverse as Radiohead, Gorillaz, Daft Punk, Tom Waits, Marianne
Faithfull, Miley Cyrus, Zaho de Sagazan, Woodkid, Arthur H, Vanessa
Paradis, Nana Mouskouri, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Kent Nagano, Valery
Gergiev, Myung-Whun Chung, Michel Plasson, James Conlon, Paul Sacher,
Marc Minkowski, Jonathan Nott, Martha Argerich, Pierre-Laurent Aimard,
Roger Muraro, Jean-François Zygel, Maurice Bourgue, Philippe Bernold,
Gérard Caussé, Bob Wilson, Isabelle Huppert, Marion Cotillard, John Cage,
Pierre Boulez and Olivier Messiaen.
Hôtel Van Eetvelde
Brussels
Concert
Reflet du cristal
Conversatietafels voor beginners
GC De Maalbeek
Etterbeek
Conferences and conventions
Conversatietafels voor beginners
Yoga @ lunchtime
The teacher guides you step by step, and pays attention to the precision of the positions, breathing and concentration o
Did you know that yoga improves your health? The teacher guides you step by step, and pays attention to the precision of the positions, breathing and concentration on the present moment.
GC De Maalbeek
Etterbeek
Sport
Yoga @ lunchtime
Lunchtime tours 2026 - House of European History
The House of European History team offers an engaging and thought-provoking journey through European history. Dive into it over lunchtime and discover our new permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Each tour is facilitated by a member of our museum team, offering their personal interpretation of the theme and a fresh perspective on the collection. Rather than exhaustive lectures, these tours highlight selected objects and aim to spark curiosity, reflection and conversation about European History.
Practical information
- Tours are free and take place from 12:15-13:00 in English. Meet the guide at the Family Kiosk in the Fables Room. No booking required.
- Please be aware that to enter the museum, you must pass through security checks which can take some time – we advise you plan for this in advance.
20 January - Memories of the Shoah
2026 marks 80 years since the closure of the Nuremberg Trials, where Nazi perpetrators were brought to justice. The month of January also offers a time to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust on Remembrance Day. A week prior to the commemoration, the House of European History invites you to take time in the exhibition to remember the victims and hear the individual stories that must never be forgotten.
17 February - Feelings in History
Feelings play a large part in historical narratives: sometimes for contradicting reasons, sometimes driving individuals or entire societies to take action. This February, come and uncover some of the many emotions behind historical events through the vast collection of the House of European History.
17 March - Women in European History
In March we celebrate International Women’s Rights Day, making it the perfect moment to discover some of the extraordinary women represented in the House of European History. Delve into the collection, encounter the objects linked to their lives, and learn more about their impact on Europe’s past.
21 April - Meet Postcolonial? exhibition team 1/2
Our new temporary exhibition “Postcolonial?” has officially opened its doors! Come and meet the team that helped create and shape the exhibition that explores the long-lasting effects that colonisation and its ending have had in Europe over the last 70 years.
19 May - A little more EU in your lunch break
EU don't know EU’re bEUtiful! Discover more about the European Union and the people, programmes and events that connect European countries. “Schuman”, “European Elections” and “Erasmus” this is your chance to learn more about these iconic European stories!
16 June - Love is Love
Love makes the world go round and the House of European History holds many lovely objects and stories. Come and encounter them as you fall in love with history and take a closer look at some stories from the LGBTQIA+ community, their struggle to love who they want, their victories and the waves they made in European history. Love wins!
21 July - No lunchtime tour due to national holiday.
18 August - Europe in motion
Behind every journey lies a story. This month, take a closer look at the movements that transformed Europe: the migrations that reshaped communities, the travels that opened new horizons, and the transport innovations that brought the continent closer together. Let’s uncover the human experiences hidden behind Europe’s roads, routes and roaming.
15 September - Generation to generation
Which generation do you belong to? From Erasmus students setting off on European adventures, to the many age groups who lived, loved, fought and rebuilt this continent, each generation brings its own rhythm to history. Come and uncover how generations shape Europe and how Europe shapes generations.
20 October - A very European playlist
Music in European history carries meaning, memories and moments of gathering. Let’s listen carefully to the sounds and songs throughout the House of European History including ‘’Ode to Joy’’, factory rhythms, Eurodance beats and Eurovision favourites...
17 November - Meet Postcolonial? exhibition team 2/2
“Postcolonial?” is the current temporary exhibition here at the House of European History. It explores the long-lasting effects that colonisation and its ending have had in Europe over the last 70 years. Come and meet the team that shaped this exhibition.
15 December - Preparation for a festive season
Say hello to the festive season! Brush up on stories of European history for the perfect dinner table conversation this holiday period. Looking for inspiration for the perfect gift? Try a trip to the House of European History! Let’s unpack the history of certain objects that were given and maybe even returned.
House of European History
Brussels
Guided tours
Lunchtime tours 2026 - House of European History
Mâäk Quintet
Jazz Station
Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode
Concert
Mâäk Quintet
Laniakea + Jozef Dumoulin
Jazz Station
Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode
Concert
Laniakea + Jozef Dumoulin
Beatriz Villar
Le Senghor - Centre Culturel d’Etterbeek
Etterbeek
Concert
Beatriz Villar
Tutu Puoane & Ewout Pierreux
Jazz Station
Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode
Concert
Tutu Puoane & Ewout Pierreux
Ixelles : Quartier d'Artistes et d'Anarchistes
European Parliament
Ixelles
Guided tours
Ixelles : Quartier d'Artistes et d'Anarchistes
Sirāt
Le Senghor - Centre Culturel d’Etterbeek
Etterbeek
Cinema
Sirāt
Digidoctor Martin
Need help with your smartphone, tablet or computer? Martin is happy to help!
Need help with your smartphone, tablet or computer? Don’t worry: Martin will be happy to help you with any questions you may have. It’s free and there’s no need to register – just pop in. Martin can assist you in Dutch, French, English or German. Would you prefer help at home on your desktop computer? If so, Martin can also visit you. Please do make an appointment in advance via our reception.
GC De Maalbeek
Etterbeek
Courses and workshops
Digidoctor Martin
Café NL: conversatietafels Nederlands
GC De Maalbeek
Etterbeek
Courses and workshops
Café NL: conversatietafels Nederlands
Dia de Muertos: Sonex (Mexico)
The heartbeat of Veracruz
Some music is not simply meant to be listened to: it creates spaces, evokes presences and transforms communities. Son Jarocho, which emerged three centuries ago in the ports of Veracruz, Mexico, where different cultures came together, is one such musical tradition.
It was born from the encounter between African rhythms, Spanish string instruments and Indigenous languages, and has been passed down from generation to generation through fandangos — late-night gatherings where décimas are improvised on the spot, where dancers stamp their feet on the tarima until the wood itself begins to vibrate, and where the boundary between musicians and audience completely disappears.
Sonex, one of the leading groups in contemporary Son Jarocho, takes you into the vibrant atmosphere of Veracruz. As a trio, Sonex brings the essence of this music to life in a setting that is both intimate and fiery. With virtuosic string playing, powerful rhythms and polyphonic vocals, they create a sound that is deeply rooted in tradition while being unmistakably contemporary.
Expect a performance full of rhythm, passion and musical freedom, where the boundaries between concert and celebration effortlessly disappear. Sonex takes you into the fandangos of Veracruz — where music, dance and togetherness become one.
Please note: this is a standing concert. A limited number of seats may be available.
The concert will start at 8.30pm, which is half an hour later than usual.
This concert is a co-production with Tas d’Os asbl, as part of the Dia de Muertos festival, in collaboration with Atelier 210.
Camil Meseguer Rioux (violin and vocals), Jerónimo González García (jarana and vocals), Helio Martín del Campo (cajón, percussion and vocals)
Atelier 210
Etterbeek
Concert
Dia de Muertos: Sonex (Mexico)
Echo Woods
Jazz Station
Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode
Concert
Echo Woods
Céline Rudolph & Florian Weber Duo
Jazz Station
Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode
Concert
Céline Rudolph & Florian Weber Duo
Autoworld Halloween Night
On Friday, 30 October, Autoworld will transform for one evening into a mysterious Halloween atmosphere.
From 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, children and adults alike are invited to enjoy a unique evening surrounded by our cars. We’ll set you on the trail with a few mysterious stories… but to discover what happens next, you’ll have to venture into the museum yourself.
On Friday, 30 October, Autoworld will transform for one evening into a mysterious Halloween atmosphere.
From 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, children and adults alike are invited to enjoy a unique evening surrounded by our cars. We’ll set you on the trail with a few mysterious stories… but to discover what happens next, you’ll have to venture into the museum yourself.
Children in costume will, of course, get to enjoy a real Trick or Treat. And after all these thrills, we’ll end the evening on a convivial note with a delicious bowl of pumpkin soup, offered to everyone.
Put on your scariest costume, come along with family or friends, and experience Halloween in a whole new way at Autoworld!
Places are limited, so don’t wait too long and book your tickets now via the link below.
Autoworld
Autoworld
Brussels
Animations
Autoworld Halloween Night
Halloween@musée
Institute of Natural Sciences
Brussels
Animations
Halloween@musée
Autumn concert: Vocal and instrumental ensemble
Discovering contemporary Belgian music
The Ensemble Estampie, founded in 2026, is dedicated to promoting contemporary classical music and the works of today’s composers.
Featuring a choir and an instrumental ensemble, this musical journey will introduce you to original and evocative works that reflect the richness and diversity of the contemporary music scene.
Ensemble Estampie: Emily Harrop, Sitron Lle and Corentin Mathias
Pavi'on
Brussels
Concert
Autumn concert: Vocal and instrumental ensemble
Pablo Held Trio
Jazz Station
Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode
Concert
Pablo Held Trio
Circa Diem
Le Senghor - Centre Culturel d’Etterbeek
Etterbeek
Concert
Circa Diem
Obsession
Le Senghor - Centre Culturel d’Etterbeek
Etterbeek
Cinema
Obsession
Blackout Session - Oum Kalsoum « Enta omri » (1964)
Here’s the deal : sit down and listen to a record in complete darkness. The only criteria for the selection : the album must be solid from start to finish.
It’s one tuesday a month (almost), it’s free and without reservations. Don’t come too late, sometimes there isn’t enough room for everyone. Our bar staff will welcome you with music and drinks. No entries are allowed nor drinks served after the beginning of the session.
Curation and introduction by Xavier Daive aka Funky Bompa.
Atelier 210
Etterbeek
Concert
Blackout Session - Oum Kalsoum « Enta omri » (1964)
Spel- en creaweek 'Reporters op pad'
Sporthal GC De Maalbeek
Etterbeek
Animations
Spel- en creaweek 'Reporters op pad'
L’être ou ne pas l’être
Le Senghor - Centre Culturel d’Etterbeek
Etterbeek
Theatre
L’être ou ne pas l’être
Œdipus
Théâtre Varia
Ixelles
Theatre
Œdipus
Jazz Station Big Band
Jazz Station
Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode
Concert
Jazz Station Big Band
Laurène Marx, Rok & Dudu : "Le soleil se lève aussi pour les cassos"
Atelier 210
Etterbeek
Concert
Laurène Marx, Rok & Dudu : "Le soleil se lève aussi pour les cassos"
Ensemble Ruxe’el « Old and New Folk »
This concert, which has already captivated audiences on numerous stages, invites you on a journey
through the musical traditions of Europe, as well as North and South America. Through a selection of instrumental pieces by iconic composers, each with its own story and identity, you will discover the richness and musical diversity of these continents.
From the refined and sophisticated harmonies of Europe to the dynamic, syncopated rhythms of Latin and North America, this programme highlights the many facets of these musical cultures. Some works even reveal influences from elsewhere, illustrating how cultural exchanges have shaped music over time.
This concert is therefore an invitation to explore the interactions between classical repertoires and world music, whilst celebrating the creativity of composers past and present, inspired by the richness of the musical traditions around them.
Founded in 2022, the Ruxe’el Ensemble is a unique instrumental quintet comprising a string trio (violin, viola, cello), a harp and a flute. With a modern and open-minded approach, this ensemble showcases the richness and diversity of today’s musical landscape. Through a balanced dialogue between repertoires and musical traditions from different cultures, Ruxe’el transcends boundaries and blends styles to offer unique experiences.
Its flexible line-up allows for great artistic freedom, ranging from solo performances to combinations of duos, trios or quintets, with each instrument flourishing within its own unique sonic space. This versatility enables them to perform a diverse repertoire, ranging from classical works to modern compositions with intercultural and ethnic influences.
In addition to its stage performances, the Ruxe’el Ensemble is actively involved in educational projects in Belgium, thereby reinforcing its commitment to making music accessible to all. Performing at concerts and festivals, it offers bespoke programmes designed to captivate and surprise a diverse audience.
Ruxe’el means ‘roots’ in the Kachiquel Mayan language
Emilie Evrard (violin); Juan Bolaños (flute); Agathe Lust (viola); Guillaume Machiels (cello); Léa Nerhot (harp)
Atelier Marcel Hastir
Brussels
Concert
Ensemble Ruxe’el « Old and New Folk »
Écrire le Mythe
Théâtre Varia
Ixelles
Theatre
Écrire le Mythe
Christos Barbas (ney, piano, lavta, voix) & Nabil Naïr (piano, clarinet, ney)
Two musicians with diverse backgrounds explore modal Mediterranean music. Combining luminous melodies, delicate minimalism and powerful rhythms, Christos Barbas & Nabil Naïr create an intimate duo in which improvisation and the fusion of traditions come together to form a unique identity.
Drawing on the richness of their diverse musical and cultural backgrounds, in which a multitude of melodies and senses of belonging intertwine, Christos Barbas and Nabil Naïr present us with a highly distinctive musical offering, not only because of the format and the instruments they play, but also for its sonic character and the places from which they speak to us. After meeting through their shared interest in the modal music of Greco-Turkish and Mediterranean traditions, they discovered their shared affinity for the beauty of melodies, the atmospheres of delicate minimalism and the power of rhythmic interplay.
From the intimacy and fragility of the duo – which affords them plenty of space to fill, or to leave empty – they recognise a growing need to create such spaces, and have thus decided to compose and share original pieces to explore these crossroads, shaped by a unique sensibility, attentive listening and improvisation. To paraphrase the Franco-Lebanese writer Amin Maalouf, their uniqueness lies in the fact that they straddle different lands, multiple languages and a wide range of musical traditions. This is their identity.
Christos Barbas (ney, piano, lavta, vocals) & Nabil Naïr (piano, clarinet, ney)
Atelier Marcel Hastir
Brussels
Concert
Christos Barbas (ney, piano, lavta, voix) & Nabil Naïr (piano, clarinet, ney)
David Helbock & Julia Hofer Duo
Jazz Station
Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode
Concert
David Helbock & Julia Hofer Duo
Discover the Art Nouveau sgraffito technique at La Maison Cauchie
The Maison Cauchie invites you to discover the Art Nouveau sgraffito technique, a speciality of the Ateliers Cauchie during the Belle Époque.
Special programme of the day: guided tours of the Maison Cauchie followed by a demonstration of the sgraffito technique by two heritage craftswomen.
Tickets are available through our standard ticketing system.
10am, 11.30am, 14pm, 15.30pm : guided tour in FRENCH
14.45pm : guided tour in DUTCH
10.45am, 16pm with : guided tour in ENGLISH
Interested in a private tour with sgraffito demonstration? Contact us: sgraffito@cauchie.be
Cauchie House
Etterbeek
Guided tours
Discover the Art Nouveau sgraffito technique at La Maison Cauchie
"Hills of Belgium" : a violin, banjo and vocals duo
Hills of Belgium is a violin, banjo and vocals duo that reinterprets the traditional songs and melodies that form the roots of American music.
Long before they were revived by country and bluegrass, the music of small farming and mining communities in the eastern United States had already been making people dance and dream for several centuries. It took the airwaves by storm in the early 20th century under the name ‘Hillbilly Music’ and later as ‘old-time’ music.
This tradition, still very much alive today, is shared with unpretentious sincerity by the duo, who bring a personal and distinctly Belgian touch to it. Funny, touching and offbeat, their concerts are a unique and convivial experience not to be missed. Let yourself be transported to the Appalachians of the last century!
Atelier Marcel Hastir
Brussels
Concert
"Hills of Belgium" : a violin, banjo and vocals duo
Repair Café 1040
One Sunday each month, you can come to GC De Maalbeek to repair an item that is broken: from smartphones to coffee machi
One Sunday each month, you can come to GC De Maalbeek to repair an item that is broken: from smartphones to coffee machines, lamps or clothes. Together with an expert, you will check if there is a solution.
GC De Maalbeek
Etterbeek
Courses and workshops
Repair Café 1040
Nyota les enfants lumière dans le cadre du MOIS DU DOC
Le Senghor - Centre Culturel d’Etterbeek
Etterbeek
Cinema
Nyota les enfants lumière dans le cadre du MOIS DU DOC
Visites Découvertes
A free 90-minute introduction to the museum using interactive learning methods to discover the essentials of the collection in French.
Get to know the museum’s essentials
Once a month, join our French-language guided tour designed for individual visitors who want an engaging introduction to the permanent exhibition. In 90 minutes, you will discover essential objects and stories while learning new ways to look, reflect and discuss European history. The tour is completely free and open to adults and teenagers aged over 12. It is ideal for curious visitors coming on their own, or with up to four other people.
About the Visites Découvertes
- During this guided visit, a facilitator will introduce you to the museum and a selection of key objects from the exhibition.
- The tour also involves learning methods, such as "Visible Thinking" and "Slow Looking", which encourage sharing observations or moments for dialogue and reflection within the group.
- The tour will help you see details from European history, connect ideas and feel more confident exploring the rest of the exhibition on your own afterwards.
Practical Information
- Language - French
- Duration - from 14:30 to 16:00, each second Sunday of the month
- Meeting point - Fables room, arrive in advance due to mandatory security checks
- Registration - Participation is free, but registration is mandatory. If the tour is not full, additional visitors may join on the day.
House of European History
Brussels
Exhibitions
Visites Découvertes
Expo Jean Dujardin - In the heart of Congo
An exposition with photographs by Jean Dujardin, taken throughout Congo.
About encounters, fleeting moments and unexpected discoveries. Cycling along the Route Nationale 1 between Kinshasa and Lubumbashi. The road winds through a world that sometimes seems surreal. Thousands of kilometres, from village to village, through landscapes where the road itself sometimes seems to vanish. A collapsed bridge stops the cycle. The tarmac gives way to earth, water and mud. And yet the journey continues. Life never stands still along Route Nationale 1. Where one road ends, another begins. People seek their own paths, towards the next village, towards one another, towards today and tomorrow. The photographs are a collection of those moments along the way. A glimpse of Congo, where the road does not always continue, but life always finds its way.
GC De Maalbeek
Etterbeek
Exhibitions
Expo Jean Dujardin - In the heart of Congo
Quand on veut on peut ?
Le Senghor - Centre Culturel d’Etterbeek
Etterbeek
Theatre
Quand on veut on peut ?
Conversatietafels voor beginners
GC De Maalbeek
Etterbeek
Courses and workshops
Conversatietafels voor beginners
Café NL: conversatietafels Nederlands
GC De Maalbeek
Etterbeek
Courses and workshops
Café NL: conversatietafels Nederlands
Digidoctor Martin
Need help with your smartphone, tablet or computer? Martin is happy to help!
Need help with your smartphone, tablet or computer? Don’t worry: Martin will be happy to help you with any questions you may have. It’s free and there’s no need to register – just pop in. Martin can assist you in Dutch, French, English or German. Would you prefer help at home on your desktop computer? If so, Martin can also visit you. Please do make an appointment in advance via our reception.
GC De Maalbeek
Etterbeek
Courses and workshops
Digidoctor Martin
Chance
Théâtre Varia
Ixelles
Theatre
Chance
Trio Grande
Jazz Station
Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode
Concert
Trio Grande
HOUB
In Arabic, houb means ‘love in all its forms’. In this performance, that love is manifested in a sisterly dialogue between the poetry of Zaïneb Ḥamdi and the turntablism practice of Soumaya Phéline Abouda. Drawing from her poetry collection Où mon amour sera ḥoub*, Zaïneb gives voice to pressing issues that engage both artists. An artistic, sensory cross-pollination emerges with Soumaya’s live orchestrated music. Poetry, music, and silence create space together for listening and shared vibration.
How can we describe our bodies if we have no language? In Arabic, ḥoub means ‘love in all its forms’. The root ح ب ب (‘ḥbb’) refers to the seed, the core, that which carries life within itself. The Houb of the title stands for a sisterly dialogue between the poetry of Zaïneb Ḥamdi and the turntablism practice of Soumaya Phéline Abouda. Drawing from her poetry collection Où mon amour sera houb*, Zaïneb Hamdi expresses urgent issues that engage both artists: the reappropriation of non-white bodies, their languages and history, withdrawal from the ‘systems of the Fathers’, and the rejection of any essentialization used as an instrument of power. Houb unfolds these poetic words in scenes, somewhere between confessions and incantations. Like an echo, the live orchestrated music behind the turntables becomes a full-fledged narrative that deconstructs and composes voices, textures, and samples and guides the breath of the poem. Zaïneb and Soumaya let a living language float between orality and sounds between them. They call for discursive plurality by inviting a voice from the world of poetry onto the stage at every performance, to allow a unique story – for the duration of a text – to resonate in the heart of the show. In a circular, science-fiction-like setting, Houb immerses the audience in an artistic, sensory cross-pollination in which poetry, music, and silence pave the way for listening and shared vibration. • Zaïneb Hamdi is a Belgian poet, writer, and performer. Fils d’Arabe, her first poetry collection, was published in 2017. In 2024, she published Où mon amour sera ḥoub, which was awarded the 2025 Les Grenades – Prix de la marraine literary prize, which recognizes a feminist work of poetry. Her texts explore otherness, the place of women, their relationships with masculinity, the body, and language, blurring the boundaries between the intimate and the collective. In addition to the written word, she is also active in the digital space of social media, where she creates short-form visual and auditory poetry that combine image, text, and video. On stage, she is developing a form of performance poetry that combines spoken word, recitation, and solo performance. Her shows have been presented at various cultural institutions, including La Bellone, Maison Poème, the Beursschouwburg, and the Palais de Tokyo. • Soumaya Phéline Abouda, originally from Brussels, is a sound artist, DJ, composer, and performer, active on Belgian and international stages since 2006. As a resident at Kiosk Radio, co-founder of the High Needs Low club nights, and co-organizer of Club Détour, she has positioned herself at the intersection of sound design and alternative electronic cultures. Her work explores the evolution of the DJ profession and the way in which the tools (CDJ, turntables, and mixer) can become true narrative and expressive instruments. She calls this approach CDJism, an extension of the turntablism from which she develops her gestures, physicality, and imagination. Through this exploration, she transforms the DJ performance into a space of active listening, improvisation, and composition in real time, in which every movement becomes an act of writing. Her sonic universe is characterized by a technical and organic exploration of sounds, combining deep basses, complex breakbeats, and polyrhythmic structures to create unique and ephemeral experiences. As a member of the ‘Psst Mlle’ feminist collective, she advocates for more diversity and inclusivity in electronic music.
Soumaya Phéline Abouda / Zaïneb Hamdi
Atelier 210
Etterbeek
Show
HOUB
Baptiste Herbin / Minino Garay ‘Los Arregladores Quartet’
Jazz Station
Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode
Concert
Baptiste Herbin / Minino Garay ‘Los Arregladores Quartet’
One-night choir
The Ensemble Estampie, a vocal and instrumental ensemble specialising in contemporary classical music, invites you to experience choral singing for an evening.
Through a step-by-step workshop open to everyone, discover rhythm, music theory and group singing by performing works by contemporary Belgian composers.
No experience is necessary: all you need is the desire to sing and share a friendly moment with others.
A unique opportunity to discover choral singing and the richness of contemporary musical creation.
Ensemble Estampie
Pavi'on
Brussels
Concert
One-night choir
Aliya Assanova, piano & Arieta Liatsi, violin
PROGRAMME
First part
Johannes Brahms (1833–1897)
Violin and Piano Sonata No. 3 in D minor, Op. 108
Amy Beach (1867–1944)
Romance for Violin and Piano, Op. 23
Second part
Francis Poulenc (1899–1963)
Sonata for Violin and Piano, FP 119
Camille Saint-Saëns / Eugène Ysaÿe
Étude in the form of a waltz, Op. 52, No. 6 (transcription for violin and piano by Eugène Ysaÿe)
Aliya and Arieta have formed a duo with the aim of sharing their musical experiences on stage. Coming from diverse cultural backgrounds and steeped in Russian and European musical traditions, they bring unique perspectives to their performances. Their aim is to connect with the audience and highlight the beauty and depth of the music they play.
Aliya Assanova, piano & Arieta Liatsi, violin
Atelier Marcel Hastir
Brussels
Concert
Aliya Assanova, piano & Arieta Liatsi, violin
Quiet Colors
Jazz Station
Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode
Concert
Quiet Colors
Workshops podcasting: Verborgen Parels in Etterbeek
GC De Maalbeek
Etterbeek
Courses and workshops
Workshops podcasting: Verborgen Parels in Etterbeek
Atelier broderie thématique à la Maison Cauchie
Cauchie House
Etterbeek
Courses and workshops
Atelier broderie thématique à la Maison Cauchie
Ecouves Trio – piano, violin and cello
Programme
Brahms’ Trio No. 1, Op. 8, in B flat major
Dvořák’s ‘Dumky’ Trio in E minor
Formed in 2017 out of their shared musical bond at the Alençon Conservatoire, the Trio d’Écouves brings together three musicians with rich and varied backgrounds:
Clémence Ralincourt (cello), trained in Lyon under Anne Gastinel and a regular member of numerous orchestras;
Livia Naas (piano), a graduate of the conservatoires of Lyon, Brussels and Geneva, with a passion for chamber music;
Florent Billy (violin), a graduate of the Lyon National Conservatoire of Music and Dance (CNSM), a dedicated chamber musician and concertmaster of the Ensemble Instrumental de la Mayenne.
Their friendship, their artistic rigour and their shared love of the piano repertoire have given rise to a vibrant trio, blending virtuosity, sensitivity and a deep musical cohesion.
Clémence Ralincourt (cello); Livia Naas (piano); Florent Billy (violin)
Atelier Marcel Hastir
Brussels
Concert
Ecouves Trio – piano, violin and cello
Inuit Art Studio
This activity takes place as part of Kids' Arts Day.
The people of the Far North, the Inuit, are true artists! Artists capture what they hear, see, feel, discover or remember from the past. In this way, stories about heroes and animals come to life on paper, stone and textiles.
During Kids' Arts Day, come and wander about in the exhibition Inuit, Impressions from the Far North. Then drop by the Inuit Art Studio and have fun trying out some techniques yourself. Today, you’re the great artist!
PROGRAMME
Drop-in workshops – throughout the day -
- Graphic Arts Studio!
Stamping, making collages, stenciling or engraving? Try one technique — or all of them! Messy fingers guaranteed!
- Textile Studio!
The Inuit create beautiful wall hangings from felt. Take inspiration from their work and get creative yourself!
- Sculpture Studio!
Dancing bears and adorable little seals… Inuit sculptors really know their stuff! Now it’s your turn!
At set times -
- Storytelling tour of the Inuit exhibition
Follow the guide and discover the stories behind the artworks! For families with children aged 6 and up. Duration: 20 minutes. Sign up on the day at the event welcome desk.
Need a break? At the crèche café, the youngest visitors can play and read to their heart’s content.
The programme is subject to change.
Art & History Museum (RMAH)
Brussels
Courses and workshops
Inuit Art Studio
Creative Afternoon: Children's Arts Day
Creative Afternoon: Children's Arts Day
This edition of our monthly ‘Creative Afternoons’ is specially designed for children! To mark Children’s Arts Day, which is celebrated throughout Brussels, we’re inviting children aged 4 to 12 to get creative together. In four different activity areas, they can discover their own talents, from collage to drawing and origami. At the end of the day, they can take their own unique creations home. The creative afternoon is free, but registration is required. This afternoon’s event is being organised by Raquel Dama and Nadine Vermeulen, two artists based in Etterbeek
GC De Maalbeek
Etterbeek
Courses and workshops
Creative Afternoon: Children's Arts Day
Fatna, une femme nommée Rachid
Le Senghor - Centre Culturel d’Etterbeek
Etterbeek
Cinema
Fatna, une femme nommée Rachid
Guided tour – Pavilion of Human Passions
In the Parc du Cinquantenaire stands a small building with the appearance of a Greek temple. For the young Victor Horta, this pavilion was his first public commission. The design, which incorporates Greek elements, also shows the early signs of Art Nouveau, visible in the details. Inside, it houses the monumental relief The Human Passions by Jef Lambeaux. This impressive artwork (11 metres long and 6 metres high) in Carrara marble depicts the pleasures and sorrows of humanity.
Since 1898, Victor Horta's neoclassical temple and Jef Lambeaux's relief have been inextricably linked. The tense relationship between the two artists, the sensually winding nude figures, and the building, often closed due to its precarious condition, have all contributed to the story, 'scandal', and mystery surrounding the pavilion. Following an extensive restoration in 2019, the pavilion regained its initial grandeur.
Pavilion of Human Passions
Brussels
Guided tours
Guided tour – Pavilion of Human Passions
Café NL: conversatietafels Nederlands
GC De Maalbeek
Etterbeek
Courses and workshops
Café NL: conversatietafels Nederlands
ÉCHOS D’ESSENCES (a fragrant concert) | ARS MUSICA
Let yourself be enveloped by a concert where music and perfumes intertwine in an immersive listening experience, with creations by Apolline Jesupret, Oren Boneh and Dai Fujikura.
Once upon a time… or rather, once upon a time, in an unspecified future, there was a human being who lost their five senses through evolution. This concert tells their story: five scenes retrace their quest and attempts to regain their senses. For each of these lost senses is “a meaning” in itself: a significance, a way of accessing the world, a different way of thinking about it.
In five sonic and olfactory chapters, this unusual concert connects music and perfumes. At the heart of this project is the encounter between composer Apolline Jesupret and Namur-based perfumer Romain Pantoustier. Joined by the Ensemble Fractales, composers Daï Fujikura and Oren Boneh, and set designer Thomas Delord, they take us on a journey to discover fragrance essences.
Synesthesia, a neurological phenomenon, creates a blending of the senses—most often between hearing and sight—through unusual neural connections. Let yourself be transported here to an immersive and poetic encounter of hearing and smell!
Ensemble Fractales
Romain Pantoustier : Perfumes
Thomas Delord : Set Design
Le Senghor - Centre Culturel d’Etterbeek
Etterbeek
Concert
ÉCHOS D’ESSENCES (a fragrant concert) | ARS MUSICA
Taalavontuur au pays du vivant
Institute of Natural Sciences
Brussels
Courses and workshops
Taalavontuur au pays du vivant
Raconte-moi
Institute of Natural Sciences
Brussels
Courses and workshops
Raconte-moi
Rectum Crocodile
Rectum Crocodile may sound like the title of a dark, unconventional novel but it is in fact a fabulous tale with characters parading around in splendour. Ghosts, people and beasts mingle, the trees speak and collectively this beautiful world tries to atone for a stubborn colonialism.
In the heart of a colonial plantation, living and dead creatures parade by and cross paths, guided by the mischievous and enigmatic voice of a child. Straight out of the carnivale-like imagination of the Caribbean, various figures face us while reciting poems and incantations. Rectum Crocodile is a magical tale, a political and danced fable that seeks to exorcise the ghosts of white supremacy in the 'New World'. Marvin M'toumo is both director and designer and here offers us a profound and feverish creation in which gestures mingle with words and the two merge into dance. The carefully designed costumes add to the wondrous dimension. Just as its creator, the piece sits at the intersection of several arts such as dance, performance, theatre and poetry. It draws on both on the European world of stage and the Caribbean fantasy worlds, both having history as a common thread. Amidst a lush plantation, nature and people question slavery, colonialism and all forms of domination. This dance poem is a polyphony of intersecting voices and bodies that is a both radiant and dazzling pamphlet against discrimination and oppression. Rectum Crocodile, produced in collaboration with Théâtre Varia, is both a roar and a manifesto. Dazzling and bold in its grandeur, the play evokes the colonial past and calls it to account. It underlines the importance of continuing to dig collectively into this shared heritage. • Marvin M'toumo is an artist whose unique poetry transcends academic distinctions between art, theatre, literature and fashion. He expresses his sensitivity in the fluidity of a practice without compartments and where he makes identities, stereotypes and archetypes the centre of a critical poetics full of symbols, humour and dramaturgy. He graduated from the École Nationale Supérieure de la Villa Arson in Nice in 2016 and the Haute Ecole d'Arts et de Design (HEAD) in Geneva in 2019. Rectum Crocodile is his second theatrical creation after Concours de larmes (2022), which he wrote, directed, performed and for which he designed the set and costumes. In fashion, he has worked with Chanel's Lognon atelier and the house of Jean Paul Gaultier.
Marvin M'toumo
Théâtre Varia
Ixelles
Show
Rectum Crocodile
