Photography - Ivan Andrejić
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Brussels - World city and the Capital of Europe Brussels, capital of the kingdom of Belgium is also the capital of Europe. A destination that’s easy to reach and reasonable prices that won’t strain its visitors’ pockets, regardless of age. This cosmopolitan city that loves good food lives life its way and expresses itself in a style very much its own: sometimes rebellious and mischievous, sometimes thoughtful and composed, but always very likeable. Despite its European dimension and despite all the different languages spoken on the corner of every street, Brussels is still inspired by a very «village-like» spirit. From early times through to the present day, the history of Brussels has been played out within a physical framework remarkably well-suited to ushering in the birth of a major urban conurbation. Born at the point where two contrasting regions one, to the west, made up of marshy plains and the other, to the east, comprising hills and low plateaux - come together, the city has successfully taken advantage of its central location. It did so first by ousting Louvain as capital of the Duchy of Brabant, then by receiving confirmation of its political functions down the years under successive regimes and, finally, by ascending to the rank of European capital.
Grand-Place The Grand-Place is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Construction on it began in the 15th century; first of all, some market halls, trade guild houses, and a town hall to establish the authority of this trading centre. Bombarded for 3 days by the French army in 1695, it was almost completely destroyed but, like a phoenix, it went on to rise from the ashes in less than 5 years. That’s why four styles stand alongside each other or sometimes even overlap; it’s a wonderful hotch-potch of Gothic, opulent baroque, neoclassical and neogothic. The tower is more or less 96 meters tall. At the Grand-Place, numerous historic events took place: 1523: the first Protestant martyrs, Hendrik Voes and Jan Van Essen, are burned by the Inquisition there 1568: the counts of Egmont and Hoorn are beheaded there August 1695: during the War of the League of Augsbourg, most of the houses on the GrandPlace were destroyed during a bombardment of the City by the French troops of marshal De Villeroy. Only the facade and the tower of the City Hall, which were the target, and some stone walls resisted the flaming canon balls. The houses surrounding the square were quickly reconstructed, in stone this time, by the various guilds. Among these, the house of the Brewers guild which shelters the Brewers Museum today.
Brussels - Capital of Art Nouveau It was in Belgium that Art Nouveau was born, thanks to the visionary mind of Victor Horta. Art Nouveau was born in 1893, with the building of the Tassel hotel, which (better than any manifest could have done) gave rise to the new architectural style. The building was a first major calling card for Horta, who went on to leave his mark on the capital along with the support of other great architects of the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century such as Hankar, van de Velde, etc. The era had moved on from Gothic Revival, Neoclassicism, Renaissance Revival, etc. It was itching for new ideas, materials and an elegant natural style, with a touch of Japan to counter the cold, grey march of industrialism. It was also a fruitful period for areas for urban development: times were prosperous and the population was more than happy to provide funds for construction. In return, Brussels got Art Nouveau gems that remain to this day the envy of the rest of the world.
Artonov Festival - combining architecture and art October is perfect time to visit Brussels, and Artonov Festival is one of the reason for all art and architecture lovers to discover world of innovation, where different art forms and Art Nouveau architecture combined builds a future together. The Artonov Festival is inspired by the international movement of Art Nouveau, both for its philosophy and for its implementation. Its objective is to generate a convergence between the performing arts, such as music, dance, theatre, fashion and visual arts, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration.
Olivia Droeshaut © DYOD
Olivia D
Droeshaut © DYOD
Main idea of Vincenzo Casale (Artistic Director and President of the Festival ) was to connect architecture with different forms of art. As he said, architecture and place where the art is happening is important for the ritual of the art itself. The Aartonov Festival’s ambition is to reconnect itself to the concept of ‘total art’, and to unify the art of music, visual arts, architecture, dance, design, theatre and video to offer young Europeans a work space catering to their creativity, curiosity and their professional emancipation. Artonov Festival is pefect place for young artist as they can express their ideas in indisciplinary way and to work together building a new world. The festival itself, the bridge that brings visual arts, performing arts, space arts, fine arts and the arts of music together for a complete and balanced symbiosis around Art Nouveau – young emerging artists as a force to invest in the future, united with the use of new technologies as well as with the opportunity to travel the road of European Art Nouveau cities.
Mont des Arts Situated on the North-South axis that connects the lower, working-class part of the city with the upper, aristocratic part, the Mont des Arts has had quite an eventful history. The park created by Jules Vacherot at the request of Leopold II in the run-up to the Expo of 1910, disappeared under the project of René Pechère as Expo 58 drew near. The project was to include underground parking facilities. This project has the advantage of reserving a fine view of plane trees and the spire of Brussels’ City Hall.
Palais Royal The Royal Palace was built on the site of the former Palace of the Dukes of Brabant which was destroyed by fire in 1731. Started in 1820 under the reign of King William, it was modified in 1904 under Leopold II, who had it rebuilt in Louis XVI style. The side wings date from the 18th century and at the end of each wing there is a pavilion. On the left that of the Civil List and on the right the Hotel Bellevue which is currently the BELvue Museum.
Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium The collection of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium covers a period extending from the 15th to the 21st centuries. It provides a vast overview of western art, with remarkable ensembles of works of artists from Belgium or from the former Southern Netherlands. Composed mainly of paintings, sculptures, drawings and prints, it also includes, in particular through donations or deposits, items of decorative arts and furniture along with a small number of non-European works.
Manneken Pis This bronze statuette, created in the 17th century by J. Duquesnoy the elder, embodies the irreverent spirit of Brussels. Also known as ÂŤLittle JulianÂť, due to confusion with another fountain, het Juliaensborreke, it was one of the many fountains serving the city. From being a public fountain, the little fellow has now become a legendary figure. He has been given numerous costumes and decorations and his wardrobe now comprises some 800 items, recently restyled in an appealing scenography (see Museum of the City of Brussels). The oldest (known) costume was given to him by the Elector of Bavaria in 1698. Manneken-Pis has, alas, been the victim of several acts of vandalism. It was in 1745 that he was kidnapped for the first time by the English. Two years later, it was the turn of the French to steal him. Hearing of this, Louis XV gave him, by way of reparation for this outrage, a rich costume in gold brocade and decorated him with the cross of Saint-Louis. In 1817, the statuette was stolen again, this time by a reprieved French convict, and was found broken in pieces. The fragments were used to make the statuette which you can see today on the old fountain.
Museum of Natural Sciences Discover nature at the Museum of Natural Sciences in Brussels, where you can explore human nature, our evolution and biology, in the brand new Gallery of Humankind: from Sahelanthropus to Homo sapiens; from embryo to adult. But that’s not all! In the rest of the Museum you’ll find the largest Dinosaur Gallery in Europe, you’ll be able to study the 1000+ specimens in the Gallery of Evolution, to dive with gigantic sea lizards from the Cretateuous period in the Mosasaur Room, to embark on an urban safari in BiodiverCITY and to discover 250 years of the history of Natural Sciences through 14 iconic specimens. With rooms dedicated to subjects as diverse as minerals, insects (with the Vivarium where you can observe amongst others live tarantulas and stick insects) and shells, there’s always something to discover in the permanent collections.
Cinquantenaire park The Cinquantenaire (50th anniversary) site is comprised of a vast set of gardens dotted with monuments and museums. It is dominated by a triumphal arch with three arches. The park hosts numerous activities throughout the year: events, celebrations, firework displays, sporting events, concerts, etc. This place of interest was built in 1880 for the 50th anniversary of the independence of Belgium. The broad pathways lead to the Pavilion of Human Passions designed by Victor Horta, the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces & Military History, the Royal Museums of Art and History and to Autoworld. At the top of the three triumphal arches there’s a bronze quadriga and an unbeatable sweeping view over the whole of Brussels.
Atomium Unavoidable icon of Brussels en Belgium, important place for international tourism, unique creation in the history of architecture and emblematic vestige of the World fair in Brussels (Expo 58), the Atomium is today the most popular tourist attraction of Europe’s Capital. The Atomium was constructed for the first postwar universal world exhibition (EXPO 58) The nine spheres represent an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. They represent the faith one had in the power of science and moreover in nuclear power.
House of European History This free museum in the beautifully renovated Eastman building takes visitors on a journey along the path of Europe’s history and challenges them to contemplate its future. The permanent exhibition is based on fascinating objects from more than 300 museums and collections from across Europe and worldwide. An interactive tablet guides the visitor in each of the EU’s 24 official languages, from the early European myths and discoveries, to the chaos of the 20th century, followed by a growing feeling of unity and belonging. The House of European History provides visits perfectly tailored for schools, families and groups.
Station Europe Station Europe, on lively Place du Luxembourg, is the ideal starting point for seeing Europe in Brussels. The European Parliament’s welcome point is full of interactive tools and has something to pique the curiosity of all ages. Friendly staff are also on hand to show you everything there is to do at the European Parliament and in Brussels itself. Housed in the original building of the Brussels-Luxembourg train station, Station Europe perfectly bridges the area’s past as the Leopold Quarter and its modern role as the home of European democracy. See the European Parliament come alive with an augmented reality model of the campus. Or delve into the history of the European Parliament at touchscreen tables and see which of your favourite inspiring figures you’re following in the footsteps of. You can even peer into the past with peephole dioramas and see the European Parliament from different angles, at different times in its life.
The European Parliament Experience the exciting atmosphere of the world’s largest transnational parliament with a visit to the European Parliament hemicycle. You can even follow a live plenary session. An interactive guide in one of the EU’s 24 official languages or one of the team of guides, along with a Q&A session, will explain how this centre of European democracy functions, what its powers are, and which historic votes have taken place within its walls.
Parlamentarium How do you go about explaining how the European Parliament works, in a simple way? The Parlamentarium takes on the challenge with interactive tools such as a 360° digital film, role playing for school children and an interactive floor map. The Parlamentarium is open every day, visits are completely free and can be experienced in no less than 24 European languages. The ins and outs of how the European Parliament works, how European unification came about and how Members of the European Parliament address todays challenges are explained in an easy and accessible way in what is the largest parliamentary visitors’ centre in Europe.