There are events that make a lot of noise about very little, and others that quietly open 80 doors throughout the city. Brussels Art Week falls into the second category. From September 10 to 13, galleries, studios, institutions, and private foundations are open to the public—and most of them are free.
Four days, more than 80 venues, and most of it is free
The concept is simple: for four days, more than 80 participants open their spaces to the public. These include galleries, as well as spaces run by the artists themselves, institutions, and private collections that aren’t usually open to the public. The vast majority of activities are free— an optional pass provides reduced-rate access to the few venues that charge an admission fee. The event kicks off on Thursday, September 10, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with a preview the night before, and then runs from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through Sunday.
One day, one neighborhood: the real hidden gem
That’s what makes the event so easy to enjoy. Rather than having you juggle a list of 80 scattered addresses, the program is organized by neighborhood. On Friday the 11th, head to Molenbeek, Anderlecht, and Forest. On Saturday the 12th, head to the Sablon and downtown. On Sunday the 13th, it’s Ixelles, Saint-Gilles, and Uccle. Choose your day, follow the route, and discover streets you’ve never set foot on before. A Brussels guide for art lovers, featuring walking and cycling itineraries, will be released on September 9.
The HQ: a bar, a bookstore, a movie theater, and a stage
The hub is set up at 311 Avenue Van Volxem in Forest, just a stone’s throw from WIELS. Called the Salon de RendezVous and designed by Espace Aygo, it brings together a bar, a bookstore, a movie theater, and a performance stage all under one roof. Its founders describe it as “both a central meeting place and a space for experimentation.” In other words? Even if contemporary art leaves you perplexed, you can stop by for a drink and see what’s going on. After all, that’s the best way to start.
📆 Dates: September 10–13, 2026
