Since August 29, Square Armand Steurs has been hosting the 34th edition of The Art Square, Brussels’ major annual exhibition of monumental sculptures. Launched in 1993, this exceptional cultural event transforms this urban park—with its rich Art Deco heritage —into a free, open-air museum accessible to all. Amid lush vegetation, historic pathways, and architectural vistas, the park’s natural setting once again interacts with the creations of some thirty Belgian and international artists. From the power of metal to experiments with fire, the exhibition invites local residents and art lovers alike to a poetic immersion in the heart of the capital.
An Exceptional Heritage: Where Art Deco Meets Monumental Sculpture
Designed betweenthe two world wars by architect Eugène Dhuicque, Armand Steurs Square is a listed site that embodies all the elegance of the Art Deco landscape style. The history of this iconic square is intimately linked to the issue of water: it pays tribute to Armand Steurs, who undertook bold initiatives to supply the capital with water. With its majestic trees, architectural vistas, and winding paths, this historically charming park offers a unique exhibition setting in the heart of Brussels.
It is within this green setting that the European capital’s only annual exhibition of monumental sculptures has flourished since 1993. Renamed “The Art Square” to underscore its international reach, the event partners with the Heritage Days to highlight the site’s history. This free event pursues a genuine cultural and social mission: to transform public space into an open-air museum in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.
The Art Square: An Open-Air Artistic Dialogue
For this 34th edition, The Art Square brings together more than thirty Belgian and international sculptors from France, Portugal, Germany, Serbia, and the Netherlands. Together, they fill the park’s paths with some forty monumental works specially selected to blend seamlessly with the landscape. The sculptures interact naturally with the vegetation, the Art Deco furnishings, and the natural light, offering visitors a stroll where art blends seamlessly into the city’s everyday life.
The exhibition highlights the richness of contemporary techniques and the diversity of materials used. Among this year’s iconic artists, Noushin Bagherzadeh explores the sculptural tensions between solid and void. Jean Boghossian leaves his mark on the exhibition with his pioneering use of fire and smoke on various materials, while Thierry Bontridder’s ethereal compositions bring a poetic sense of movement and rhythm. A collective celebration of materials and creativity that reaffirms this event’s major role in Brussels’ cultural landscape.
