Whether you cross the city every day or are here on a short visit, Brussels does not give up its secrets lightly. The streets are a stunning mix of various styles (Art Nouveau, Art Deco, neoclassicism or contemporary architecture) from different eras; a treasure trove for lovers of history and architecture! And what lurks behind the facades? Fortunately, there are festivals, exhibitions, lectures, tours and performances (almost) year-round to decipher our capital's architectural heritage. Here's an overview of the most important events:
Architecture on Brussels' cultural agenda
24 giugno 2026
© visit.brussels
Extraordinary discoveries with BANAD Festival
©EB - sophie voituron
Who hasn't dreamt of discovering the interiors that hide behind the capital's majestic Art Nouveau and Art Deco facades? Every year, the Brussels Art Nouveau & Art Deco Festival has more than a few surprises in store... It's opening the doors to extraordinary sites. For three weekends, enjoy a wonderful journey back in time, full of anecdotes! In addition to the visits, the programme also abounds with off-site activities, workshops for kids and conferences that highlight the richness of Brussels' architectural heritage. In short, you can look forward to a week of visits and discoveries of extremely rare places that are full of stories! But make sure you book your tickets well in advance, as they sell out fast!
When? March
Where? At various locations in Brussels
Heritage Days
© visit.brussels - Jean-Paul Remy
The Heritage Days are an annual event during which a number of the capital's historical and cultural buildings, not normally open to the public, open their doors. These days usually take place on the second weekend of September and are an initiative to promote Brussels' heritage and make it accessible to a wide public. Moreover, access to most sites is free!
When? The second weekend of September
Where? At various locations in Brussels
ANTE Festival: the architectural legacy of the "long 19th century"
© Explore.Brussels
Neoclassicism, eclecticism, technical innovations… are you ready to revisit a century that shaped Brussels? ANTE Festival celebrates architecture built between 1780 and 1920. For over a week, step inside buildings usually closed to the public, explore the capital with guided walking or cycling tours, and enjoy talks, workshops and specially tailored tours. It's a journey through the "long 19th century" to understand how, brick by brick, Brussels laid the foundations of its modernity.
When? Early October
Where? At various locations in Brussels
ARTONOV Festival: Art Nouveau meets the performing arts
Olivia Droeshaut © DYOD
Taking a fresh look at architecture, particularly Art Nouveau and Art Deco, is the challenge that the ARTONOV Festival has taken up since its creation in 2014. Every year in October, dance, performance, concerts and other interdisciplinary creations are staged in a handful of diverse venues with settings as astonishing as they are splendid. Previous editions have taken us to the heart of the Maison Louis Tenaerts (a jewel of Art Deco architecture), between the rough concrete walls of the Vanhaerents Art Collection or to Queens, a neo-classical mansion adorned with unusual Egyptian frescoes. What surprises are in store this year?
When? Every year, in the first half of October
Where? At various locations in Brussels
Archiweek: contemporary architecture from the ground up
© visit.brussels - Jean-Michel Byl
If you want to learn more about architecture, look no further than Archiweek. For seven days, it puts the spotlight on contemporary architecture in Brussels. Visitors can explore the most astonishing projects of the moment and marvel at their bold lines. The curious can also go behind the scenes of contemporary creation, with visits to Brussels' architectural agencies. You'll also get the chance to engage in debate with architects at a number of fascinating conferences.
When? Every year, first half of October
Where? At various locations in Brussels
© visit.brussels
Architecture in Brussels
Discover why our capital is so popular with architecture lovers. There are so many different styles and so many unique gems... the surprises just keep coming! Go for a walk, take the time to look around (and up) and see Brussels in a new, architectural light!
