Often overshadowed by the international fame ofArt Nouveau andArt Deco, 19th-century architecture is set to reveal all its secrets in the Belgian capital. During the first two weekends of October 2026,the non-profit organization Explore.Brussels is organizing the second edition ofthe ANTE Festival, a brand-new fall event dedicated to the “long 19th century.” This one-of-a-kind event invites the general public to explore a period of fascinating experimentation, from Neoclassicism toEclecticism. From guided tours of interiors usually closed to the public, to tram and bike tours, and cultural events throughout the region, immerse yourself in the history of this formative century and discover the program for this exceptional edition.
From Neoclassicism to Eclecticism: The Origins of Brussels’ Architectural Transformation
Building on the resounding success of the BANAD Festival, which celebrates Art Nouveau and Art Deco heritage every spring,the nonprofit Explore.Brussels is enriching the cultural landscape withthe ANTE Festival. Conceived as its fall counterpart, this new event is part of an effort to structure the Brussels calendar around two highlights dedicated to architectural creation. This fall,the ANTE Festival takes a trip back in time to shed light on the period that paved the way for the emergence of the major modern movements of the 20th century.
By highlighting the “Long Nineteenth Century” —a pivotal period spanning from 1780 to 1920—the festival sheds light on an era of urban, social, and technological transformations of unprecedented intensity. From rigorous neoclassicism to bold eclecticism, including major structural experiments, these decades shaped the face, neighborhoods, and identity of Brussels.The ANTE Festival thus stands as an invitation to rediscover the richness of a built heritage that has remained in the shadows for far too long.
The 2026 ANTE Festival: Discovering the Capital’s Hidden Treasures
Over two consecutive weekends— October 3 & 4 and 10 & 11, 2026—the ANTE Festival will present a rich program across ten municipalities in the Brussels-Capital Region. The event will feature the exceptional opening of 28 extraordinary sites, most of which are usually closed to the general public. Among the gems to discover arethe former palace of the Count of Flanders, the Maison Hap, andthe Spoelberch de Lovenjoul Hotel, residence of the French ambassador. A unique highlight of this second edition will be the opportunity for visitors to explorethe former Forest Prison for a striking immersion in the region’s heritage.
True to the organizer’s spirit of both conviviality and rigor, the experience unfolds through guided tours led by experts, as well as a variety of other ways to explore. Visitors can explore the city on guided architectural tours or indulge in unique walking tours combined with food tastings. To enrich the experience, the festival offers a comprehensive cultural program combining themed lectures, a documentary screening, and a dedicated exhibition. A cultural event that transforms into a grand celebration of heritage, accessible to all.
