Why not take advantage of fall to travel without leaving Brussels? From the icy landscapes of Canada’s Far North to the colorful worlds of Japanese manga, not to mention Ai Weiwei’s provocative creations and the incredible capabilities of the animal kingdom, Brussels’ museums have something to satisfy every curiosity. Whether you’re a contemporary art lover, a fan of Japanese culture, or looking for a family outing, here are four exhibitions to check out right now in the capital.
Contemporary Art and an Immersion in the Far North
At the Art & History Museum, the “Inuit” exhibition offers a comprehensive exploration of the art and daily life of this indigenous people from northern Canada. The exhibition layout delves into their customs, myths, and way of life in detail. Visitors will discover prints, sculptures depicting Arctic wildlife, and various traditional objects. The immersive experience is enhanced by reproductions of traditional dwellings, and visitors are invited to begin their tour by walking through a large reconstructed igloo.
Near the Sablon, the Patrick Derom Gallery is hosting an intimate exhibition dedicated to the artist Ai Weiwei. Completely free to visit, this small-scale exhibition brings together several recognizable pieces by the artist. Highlights include an antique vase stamped with the Coca-Cola logo and installations made from Lego bricks. However, there’s not much time left to visit this gallery, as the exhibition closes on November 14.
Animal Superpowers and Manga Creation
Over at the Institute of Natural Sciences, the “Animazing” exhibition is particularly geared toward families. The concept centers on exploring the extraordinary abilities and “superpowers” of the animal kingdom, illustrated through taxidermy specimens and colorful reproductions. The space uses light installations and a highly visual approach to capture visitors’ attention. The institute has also implemented a dual-level system for the explanatory panels: concise texts are aimed directly at children, while more in-depth scientific descriptions are available for adults.
Finally, the Comic Strip Museum celebrates Japanese culture through “Mangatopia.” Organized to mark the 30th anniversary of Kana Editions, the installation offers a deep dive into the worlds of famous titles published by the company. Beyond the large-format illustrations, the exhibition breaks down the practical process of creating a manga. From storyboards to the choice of panel layouts, including a display of traditional drawing tools such as pens and markers, the exhibition traces the history and specific techniques of Japanese comics.
These four itineraries showcase the diversity of the current programming at the capital’s cultural institutions, offering a variety of experiences to suit every taste!
