Belgium has always had a knack for mixing the old and the new: centuries-old grandeur set against a restless, contemporary edge. In Brussels and Antwerp, that energy is alive in every white-walled gallery, every tucked-away project space, every museum where blue-chip heavyweights rub shoulders with fearless independents. Here’s our pick of where to see it all unfold right now.
BRUSSELS
ROYAL QUARTER & SABLON
Bozar
- Closing soon: Berlinde De Bruyckere (until 31 Aug ‘25)
- Coming soon: John Baldessari (from 21 Sept ‘25)
- 23 Rue Ravenstein
- bozar.be
Bozar, Brussels’ landmark arts center, brings together world-class exhibitions, concerts, and performances under one iconic roof.
DRINK: Victor Cafe at Bozar
- Rue Ravenstein 23
- victorbozarcafe.be
Tucked inside Brussels’ iconic cultural hub, Victor Café pairs smart cocktails and sleek interiors with an artsy afterglow that lingers long past last call.
Magritte Museum
- Pl. Royale 1
- musee-magritte-museum.be
Step into surrealism’s playground at the Magritte Museum, where Brussels celebrates the mind-bending world of René Magritte.
Galerie Fontana
- Now showing: Yves Marchand & Romain Meffre (until 30 Oct ‘25)
- 16 Rue Watteeu
- galeriefontana.com
Amsterdam gallery heads to Belgium! The new space welcomes visitors Thursday to Saturday, from 12:00 to 18:00.
Gladstone
- Coming soon: Nicholas Bierk (from 4 Sept ‘25)
- 12 Rue du Grand Cerf
- gladstonegallery.com
Gladstone Gallery, founded by NY gallerist Barbara Gladstone and now led by a team of partners, is internationally recognized for its commitment to experimentation and visionary practices—with its Brussels gallery playing a key role in presenting ambitious new work.
Mendes Wood DM Brussels
- Coming soon: Julien Creuzet (from 4 Sept ‘25)
- 13 Rue des Sablons
- mendeswooddm.com
Mendes Wood DM, founded in São Paulo in 2010, represents both Brazilian and international artists, with galleries around the world. Its Brussels location, situated on the historic Sablon square, spans three floors of a historic townhouse. The gallery is co-owned by Art Fixer Carolyn Drake Kandiyoti.
Nino Mier Gallery
- Coming soon: Gregory Hodge (from 4 Sept ‘25)
- 25 Rue Ernest Allard
- miergallery.com
Nino Mier Gallery, with a vibrant space in Brussels, is part of a growing international footprint that includes multiple locations in New York & LA, showcasing a dynamic roster of contemporary artists across both continents.
Sorry We’re Closed
- Coming soon: Adrien Vescovi (from 4 Sept ‘25)
- 39 Rue des Minimes
- sorrywereclosed.com
Founded by Sébastien Janssen, Sorry We’re Closed is a contemporary art gallery in Brussels renowned for its bold, sculpture-focused program and commitment to emerging international talent.
Vanhaerents Art Collection
- 29 Rue Anneessens
- vanhaerentsartcollection.com
An impressive collection that reflects the diversity and vitality of current art practices with an angle towards new and provocative art. Open once a month: check the website for the nearest open day or plan a different visiting day directly through this email.
EAT: Era Restaurant
- Rue du Fossé aux Loups 46
- era-restaurant.com
Sleek and refined, ERA offers a globally inspired, plant-forward menu in a contemporary space just steps from the city center.
DRINK: Ökēn
- Place Poelaert 6
- oken.be
In the basement of TheMerode private club you’ll find Ökēn, we love the cocktail bar with a cosy, exclusive jazzy atmosphere. Members can bring multiple guests.
DRINK: Under The Stairs
- Rue Royale 103
- corinthia.com
If you are looking for a speakeasy luxury experience, head over to the bar Under The Stairs at the beautifully renovated Corinthia Hotel.
STAY: Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria
- Rue Royale 103
- corinthia.com
A palatial stay reimagined, this landmark hotel on Rue Royale delivers Belle Époque elegance with a fresh, five-star edge.
STAY: The Hoxton Brussels
- Sq. Victoria Régina 1
- thehoxton.com
Industrial chic meets cosmopolitan comfort in this stylish haunt, where cozy rooms, a buzzing lobby, and rooftop sips make for a stay that’s anything but standard.
FOREST
WIELS
- Now showing: ‘Magical Realism: Imagining Natural Dis/order’ (until 28 Sept ‘25)
- 354 Av. Van Volxem
- wiels.org
Nestled in Brussels’ vibrant Forest district, WIELS reinvents a historic brewery into a dynamic hub where daring contemporary art pulses at the city’s creative core.
CANAL / TOUR & TAXIS
KANAL – Centre Pompidou
- Opening Nov ‘26
- Sq. Sainctelette 21
- kanal.brussels
KANAL Centre Pompidou transforms a former Citroën garage in Brussels into a vibrant cultural hub, showcasing modern and contemporary art from Belgium and beyond. Until its reopening, you can check out K1 – a temporary venue across the canal.
EAT: Aster
- Rue Antoine Dansaert 202
- aster.brussels
Located on the lively Rue Antoine Dansaert, Aster blends bold flavors, natural wines, and minimalist design for a dining experience that feels effortlessly cool.
EAT: Double Standard
- Ground Floor, Bd Roi Albert II 30
- standardhotels.com
On the ground floor of The Standard hotel, Double Standard brings casual bites, stylish drinks, and a laid-back vibe to the heart of the city’s business district.
STAY: The Standard
- Bd Roi Albert II 30
- standardhotels.com
The New York icon lands in Brussels with its signature style—think bright rooms, rooftop views, and just the right amount of attitude.
SAINT GILLES
La Patinoire Royale
- Now showing: Alfredo Jaar (until 23 Dec ‘25)
- 15 Rue Veydt 15
- prvbgallery.com
La Patinoire Royale turns a former 19th-century roller rink in Saint-Gilles into a grand stage for exceptional contemporary art.
IXELLES
Rodolphe Janssen
- Coming soon: Léon Wuidar and Brooklin A. Soumahoro (from 4 Sept ‘25)
- 35 & 32 Rue de Livourne
- rodolphejanssen.com
Gallery Rodolphe Janssen, a mainstay of the Brussels art scene, represents Art Fix favorites Kendell Geers and Thomas Lerooy and many more. Be sure to ask for gallery director Julie Senden when you visit.
Galerie Obadia
- Coming soon: Johanna Mirabel (from 4 Sept ‘25)
- 8 Rue Charles Decoster
- galerie-obadia.com
Originally from Paris and now with a prominent space in Brussels, Galerie Nathalie Obadia represents major international artists such as Laure Prouvost, Mickalene Thomas, and Fiona Rae.
Fondation CAB
- Now showing: ‘Super Conceptual Pop’ (until 31 Oct ‘25)
- 32 Rue Borrens
- fondationcab.com
Fondation CAB champions minimalist and conceptual art, offering a sleek, non-profit space for bold Belgian and international voices.
Stems Gallery
- Coming soon: Nick Doyle (from 4 Sept ‘25)
- 4 Rue du Albert Prince
- stemsgallery.com/
Stems Gallery is a spacious Brussels venue championing artists like Tyrell Winston & Arghavan Khosravi . Each summer, the gallery expands its program with a seasonal exhibition in Knokke.
Xavier Hufkens Gallery
- Coming soon: Charline von Heyl (from 4 Sept ‘25) and Alice Neel (from 25 Sept ‘25)
- 44 Rue Van Eyck
- 6 Rue St Georges and 107 Rue St Georges
- xavierhufkens.com
Do not miss this leading international gallery with three Brussels locations, representing both emerging and established artists such as Antony Gormley, Roni Horn, Nicolas Party and Mark Manders.
Maruani Mercier
- Coming soon: Von Wolfe (from 4 Sept ‘25)
- 430 Avenue Louise
- maruanimercier.com
Maruani Mercier, with its elegant gallery space on Avenue Louise in Brussels, is known for its strong contemporary program and also operates a seasonal outpost in the chic coastal town of Knokke during the summer months.
Almine Rech
- Coming soon: Kenny Scharf (from 4 Sept ‘25)
- 20 Rue de L’Abbaye
- alminerech.com
Almine Rech, daughter of French fashion designer Georges Rech, opened her first gallery in Paris in 1989 with a James Turrell light installation. Now with locations in Brussels, Paris, London, New York, Shanghai, Gstaad, and Monaco, the gallery is renowned for its focus on minimal and conceptual artists such as Turrell, John McCracken, and Oliver Beer. Claire Tabouret & Chloe Wise are also represented by her.
Villa Empain / The Boghossian Foundation
- Now showing: ‘Timeless gazes’ (until 7 Sept ‘25)
- 67 Av. Franklin Roosevelt
- villaempain.com
In the stunning Art Deco Villa Empain, this cultural hub bridges East and West through bold exhibitions and vibrant programs.
SAINT JOSSE
Le Botanique
- Rue Royale 236
- botanique.be
Housed in the former orangery of the National Botanic Garden, this iconic venue hosts a diverse array of events, from intimate concerts to thought-provoking exhibitions. Its striking architecture and vibrant programming make it unmissable.
EAT: Le Petit Bon Bon
- Rue Royale 103
- Lepetitbonbon
A cozy gem on Rue Royale, Le Petit Bon Bon serves up playful, seasonal dishes with a touch of French flair and a lot of heart.
HEYSEL & EXPO
Brussels Art Week
- Next edition: 4 – 7 Sept ‘25
- 67 Rue de la Régence
- rendezvousbxl.com
Brussels’ art scene shines this September with RendezVous – Brussels Art Week, uniting galleries and spaces citywide from Sept 4–7, starting with Opening Night (17:00-21:00 PM) and daily shows (11:00–18:00 PM).
Art Brussels
- Next edition: 23 – 26 Apr ‘26
- Place de la Belgique 1 Hall 5
- artbrussels.com
Held April 23–26 (2026), Art Brussels brings the global art world to the heart of Europe, showcasing leading galleries, emerging talent, and bold contemporary voices.
BRAFA
- Next edition: 25 Jan – 1 Feb ‘26
- Pl. de Belgique 1 Hall 3-4
- brafa.art
BRAFA is a 8-day long art fair in Brussels that brings together top galleries with art and antiques from all periods, from ancient to contemporary.
Brussels Design Museum
- Now showing: ‘Skateboard’ (until 14 Sept ‘25)
- 1 Place de Belgique
- Designmuseum.brussels
Located right next to the Atomium and the EXPO, all design lovers who are curious about 20th and 21st-century design, visit the bold exhibitions with a unique focus on plastic art by Belgian designers.
ANTWERP
ZUID
Tim Van Laere Gallery
- Now showing: Rinus van de Velde (until 4 Oct ‘25)
- Jos Smolderenstraat 50
- timvanlaeregallery.com
One of Antwerp’s most exciting art spaces, Tim Van Laere Gallery—set in a striking pavilion on Nieuw Zuid—is Belgium’s largest gallery, showcasing bold contemporary work by artists like Adrian Ghenie, Kati Heck, and Rinus Van de Velde.
Gallery Sofie van de Velde
- Now showing: Felix De Clerq and Max Pinckers (until Oct ‘25)
- Léon Stynenstraat 21
- plus-one.be
Founded by Sofie Van de Velde, it pops up in two lively spaces (Nieuw Zuid and Antwerp South), teaming up with PLUS‑ONE Gallery to champion collaboration over competition and help artists shoot their careers into the international art stratosphere!
DRINK: Atelier Paul Morel
- Mechelsesteenweg 291
- morel.co
Located inside De Koninck Brewery, this intimate cocktail bar blends Belgian heritage with innovative, seasonal drinks.
STAY: August Antwerp
- Jules Bordetstraat 5
- august-antwerp.com
A stylish hotel set in a former Augustinian convent, featuring 44 uniquely designed rooms, a spa, restaurant, and gardens, offering a serene retreat in the Green Quarter.
ANTWERP EXPO/ MARKGRAVE
Antwerp Art / Antwerp Art Weekend
- Next edition: 14 – 17 May ‘26
- Jan van Rijswijcklaan 191
- antwerpart.be / antwerpartweekend.be
Antwerp Art is the non‑profit connector for the city’s vibrant contemporary art scene, and each year their Antwerp Art Weekend brings galleries, project spaces, and museums together for a four‑day art city‑takeover.
GNYP Gallery
- Coming soon: Kaifan Wang (from 6 Sept ‘25)
- Jan van Rijswijcklaan 112
- gnypgallery.com
We love Gnyp Gallery in Antwerp — owned by Marta Gnyp alongside her partner Giovanni Springmeier, originally founded in Berlin and became a favorite of Art Fix for its pioneering, globally oriented exhibitions.
EAT: Pici
- Muntstraat 2
- pastapici.be
In the heart of Zurenborg, Pici delivers cozy, authentic Italian pasta—like pappardelle al ragù and cacio e pepe—in a simple yet inviting space.
EAT: Veranda
- Lange Lobroekstraat 34
- restaurantveranda.be
In a rugged, converted youth center near the Sportpaleis, Veranda charms with a warm, no‑frills vibe, a rotating seasonal menu, open kitchen and walk‑in wine bar that deliver bold, creative dishes.
WIJNEGEM
Axel Vervoordt Gallery
- Now showing: El Anatsui (until 6 Sept ‘25)
- Stokerijstraat 19, Wijnegem
- axel-vervoordt.com
A must-visit in Antwerp, Axel Vervoordt’s gallery is set within the vast Kanaal arts village—an atmospheric 19th-century distillery turned cultural haven—where Anish Kapoor’s iconic red dome At the Edge of the World anchors the space, surrounded by powerful permanent installations from Marina Abramović, James Turrell, and Tatsuo Miyajima, alongside a rotating program spotlighting postwar masters from movements like ZERO, Gutai, and Dansaekhwa.
HET EILANDJE
CASSTL Artist-Run Space
- Braziliëstraat 27
- casstl.com
An agile, artist‑run project space founded by Luc Tuymans, Carla Arocha, and Stéphane Schraenen, CASSTL hosts inventive exhibitions, performances, readings, and screenings that defy institutional norms.
The MAS
- Hanzestedenplaats 1
- Coming soon: Universal Tongue by Anouk Kruithof. 24 October 2025 to 4 January 2026
- mas.be
MAS is an international, pioneering museum exploring the global connectedness between people and collections from diverse cultures and environments. In Universal Tongue, Kruithof reveals dance as a universal language through a rousing video installation of 1,000 dance styles from around the world — a four-hour film you can walk through.
Art Fix Tip: Head to the top floor for an incredible city view.
DIAMOND DISTRICT
Extra City Kunsthal
- Provinciestraat 112
- extracity.org
Set in a former Dominican monastery, this inclusive Kunsthal is rooted in Antwerp’s art ecosystem and champions experimental contemporary art with an open-minded, community‑focused spirit.
ANTWERP CENTRE
De Boer Gallery
- Coming soon: Karsten Krogh-Hansen (from 27 Sept ‘25)
- Mechelsesteenweg 247
- deboergallery.com
A fresh force in Antwerp’s gallery scene, De Boer champions bold contemporary voices in a sleek space just outside the city center bordering the Zuid neighbourhood.
KMSKA
- Coming soon: Donas. Archipenko & La Section d’Or Enchanting Modernism (from 4 Oct ’25)
- Coming soon: Magritte. La ligne de vie (from 15 Nov ’25)
- Leopold de Waelplaats 1
- kmska.be
Antwerp’s crown jewel of fine art, the newly renovated Royal Museum (KMSKA) blends Old Masters with modern flair inside a stunning architectural revival.
EAT: Lina’s
- Muizenstraat 9
- linasbakkerij.be
This beloved micro-bakery turns heads with its artisanal sourdough, cinnamon rolls, and top-notch coffee—a local favorite for elevated comfort eats.
EAT: Nives
- Harmoniestraat 25b
- nives.antwerpen
This brunch bakehouse by Harmonie Park specializes in sourdough toast, loaded breakfast sandwiches, and relaxed early-morning vibes in a spacious, light-filled setting.
EAT: Le Pristine
- Lange Gasthuisstraat 13
- lepristine.com
In Antwerp’s fashion district, Sergio Herman’s Michelin-starred kitchen serves inventive “New Italian” cuisine in a chic, open-plan brasserie that marries designer flair with heartfelt hospitality.
EAT: Celestial by The Jane
- Paradeplein 1
- thejaneantwerp.com
Set in a stunning former chapel, The Jane is Antwerp’s benchmark for fine dining—where architectural drama meets Michelin-starred cuisine in unforgettable ways.
EAT: Ellis Gourmet Burger
- De Keyserlei 21
- ellis.be
Casual and cozy just steps from Central Station, Ellis serves up gourmet burgers with creative twists, rooftop views, and a relaxed vibe.
EAT: Osaka
- Bollandusstraat 17
- osaka.antwerp
A sleek, minimalist spot mixing Japanese-influenced small plates with artisanal beers and natural wines in a quietly stylish setting.
DRINK: Marigold
- Vrijdagmarkt 18
- marigold.bar
An elegant Art Deco-inspired cocktail bar on Vrijdagmarkt known for its creative and expertly crafted cocktails.
DRINK: De Plek
- Desguinlei 25
- dekathedraal.be
A vibrant, cozy spot inside the Kathedraal complex offering great drinks and a welcoming atmosphere.
STAY: De Witte Lelie
- Keizerstraat 16–18
- dewittelelie.be
An intimate boutique hotel housed in three 17th-century gabled buildings, offering 10 uniquely designed suites and a tranquil floral courtyard in the heart of Antwerp’s historic center.
STAY: Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp
- Kammenstraat 1, 2000 Antwerp
- botanicantwerp.be
A luxurious 5-star hotel set within a former monastery, featuring a botanical garden, wellness spa, and Henry’s Bistro, blending historic architecture with modern elegance.
Art Fix Tip: Tucked inside the Botanic Sanctuary, Japanese-inspired Omakase experience by Chef Gert De Mangeleer at Hertog Jan unfolds in an intimate, architect-designed setting in the heart of Antwerp.
STAY: Hotel Jamingo
- Frankrijklei 53, 2000 Antwerp
- hoteljamingo.be
A contemporary 4-star hotel offering 100 rooms, including studios with terraces, located near Antwerp’s historic city center and central station, providing modern comfort and convenience.
