11 Spots for design lovers in Brussels

The modular scenography of the Design Museum sits at the foot of the Atomium. Its permanent collections give plastic a new lease of life with an exceptional series of everyday objects, each as colourful as they are hip (from Tupperware to inflatable seats to the iconic Guido Drocco & Franco Mello cactus straight out of the sixties!). Belgian design and its history feature prominently, with a permanent exhibition of local talents such as Jacques Dupuis, Willy Van Der Meeren and Jules Wabbes. In short, it's the ideal place to review the basics!

Where? place de Belgique, 1 - 1020 Brussels

When? Every day from 11:00 to 19:00

A talent incubator, creative lab and social enterprise, MAD Brussels is a unique platform where fashion and design meet and where innovation is promoted and developed. MAD welcomes current and future designers, organises meetings and workshops and puts creation in the spotlight with a number of exhibitions. Modern lines, a touch of futurism and immaculate class are the signatures of this hip and diverse venue.

Where? place du Nouveau Marché aux Grains, 10 - 1000 Brussels

When? Monday to Friday, from 11:00 to 18:00

Spazio Nobile has been bringing design and the applied arts together in Ixelles since 2016. With expertise foremost in her mind, gallery owner and art historian Lise Coirier favours hand-made pieces, exuding the authenticity of organic and mineral materials. The artists represented include Ernst Gamperl and his wooden vases with carved curves, designer Isabelle de Borchgrave and her range of pleated objects and young glass designer Philipp Weber, whose suspensions have the lightness of soap bubbles.

Where? rue Franz Merjay, 142 - 1050 Brussels

When? Tuesday to Saturday from 11:00 to 18:00

There is art and then there’s Maniera. This gallery, which specialises in furniture, delights in the points at which architecture, design and art meet. More than simply furniture, it creates singular objects inspired by cult architecture from the 20^th century. Here, you can enjoy graphic armchairs by Studio Mumbai and Bijoy Jain, rugs that look like paintings by Christoph Hefti, and the amazing Seatless Chairs of Go Hasegawa. You’re guaranteed to be surprised, even if you’re a connoisseur!

Where?  place de la Justice, 27-28 - 1000 Brussels

When? Wednesday to Saturday from 14:00 to 18:00

Atelier Jespers is a cross between an artist's studio, an architect's house and a gallery. The former home of sculptor Oscar Jespers, to whom the gallery owes its name, its minimalist lines were designed by architect Victor Bourgeois. Behind its large modernist windows, this unique venue houses the best of contemporary art and design, just a few steps from Georges Henri Park. It's a must for all lovers of beautiful objects and architecture.

Where? avenue du Prince Héritier, 149 - 1200 Brussels 

When? Booking required

With a name inspired by an ancient bas-relief and post-modernist architecture, La Bocca della Verità shows a pronounced taste for... contemporary design! This unusual venue strives to support young design talents, by offering them the opportunity to present their work to the public for the first time. In addition to a cycle of three exhibitions per year, the gallery has taken the original gamble of gathering creators together around the creative concept of the exquisite corpse - how delightful!

Where? boulevard Clovis, 85 -  1000 Brussels

When? Booking required

Avenue du Roi is an inhabited art space, literally! Imagine a cosy apartment in which each room houses a clever mix of contemporary art and design. From the kitchen to the living room, the visit is guided by conviviality, nourished by a certain idea of intimacy and accompanied by a wonderful dose of sharing. There are many unique pieces, such as the dancing vases of Studio Biskt and the soft gradations on canvas of Dorothée Louise Recker.

Where? Avenue du Roi - 1060 Brussels

When? Booking required

Turning a wasteland into a creative hub? Designer Lionel Jadot took up the challenge by converting the 6,000m² of a former paper mill into thirty or so workshops for, primarily Belgian, designers. Leather, glass, metal, plastic and salt are the main materials used in this unique craft factory just a few minutes from Brussels. The result is a mix of materials and techniques that can be discovered during exhibitions, all in a stunning industrial decor.

Where?  Fabrieksstraat, 15-19 - 1930 Zaventem

Functionality, purity and sustainability are three words that define the essence of Marina Bautier's style. Founded in 2013 by the eponymous designer, this ultra-refined boutique offers a line of furniture and a wonderful array of accessories, including a selection of ceramics that is quite unique in Brussels. The bonus? Enjoy delicious warm scones at the Bautier Cafe, adjacent to the shop; they are perfect for a stylish gourmet break.

Where? chaussée de Forest, 314 - 1190 Forest

When? Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00

Looking for a place that packs a punch? With its eclectic and colourful spirit, Tilt offers design that frees itself from excessively conventional lines. The store stands out for its unusual lighting fixtures, which are the work of Patrick van Roy and Laetitia De Moor, two Brussels artist-designers. Unique hanging lamps made of upcycled glass, standing lamps, vases of various shapes, stemmed glasses transformed into baroque candleholders... be prepared for a few surprises in this good-humoured universe.

Where? rue des Mélèzes, 103 - 1050 Brussels

When? Friday to Saturday, 14:00 to 18:00