Best of Brussels in June 2024

June signals the beginning of summer, but this year it’s been a bit touch-and-go. One moment there's sunshine, the next brings dark clouds, followed by a sudden hailstorm, only to return to slightly cloudy skies. Such is the charm of Brussels, where you can experience all kinds of weather in a single day! :)

Yet, despite the capricious weather, Brussels never fails to captivate with its rich tapestry of stories, symbols and layers of meaning. In our latest article?Small Museums, Big Stories,?Salvatore Costantino explores how city reveals its soul through something that is often overlooked: small museums. This month, the spotlight is on the Charlier Museum. Despite its limited opening hours, this eclectic mansion is a treasure trove of wonders waiting?to be discovered.

Now let's dive deeper into events, festivals, as well as some gastronomy updates. Enjoy the ever-changing weather, immerse yourself in the city's cultural offerings, and happy reading!

During seven Sundays in June and July, there is an exceptional opening of the Pavillon of Human Passions in Cinquantenaire Park. The first opening of this hidden gem, usually closed to the public, will be on Sunday, 2 June. The small Greek temple-like building was the first public commission for the young Victor Horta. Inside, there is an impressive relief by Jef Lambeaux, a monumental Carrara marble masterpiece depicting the pleasures and misfortunes of humanity. The Pavillon has sparked imaginations since its completion in 1898. Thanks to recent restorations, both the building and the relief have been beautifully preserved, offering a rare glimpse into this intriguing piece of Brussels' history. More info via?Horizon 2030?website.

On 9 June, also?in Cinquantenaire Park, join a guided tour of the?Mosaics of the Hemicycle. This tour will introduce you to the stunning mosaics, which form the official memorial to the First World War - mosaics?celebrate peace in the Army and Military Museum and war in the Royal Museums of Art and History.?Many other activities &?guided tours?in the park?as part of the Horizon 2030 initiative.

Bozar rooftop will be accessible again as of Friday, 7 June. It offers some breathtaking views of the inner city, artistic installations, and exceptional musical programme.?While we are at Bozar, food aficionados out there, take note that the two-Michelin-starred restaurant?in the Palace of Fine Arts?was ranked 63rd on a?latest list of the?world’s best dining?establishments.

More good news for Brussels food scene -?the website “50 Top Pizza”?annual rankings of its favorite pizza spots in Europe includes 3 Brussels pizzerias! All three are around the European Quarter:?La Pizza è Bella Gourmet?on Place Jourdan (11th spot),?La Piola?on Place Saint-Josse (19th place) and newcomer on the list,?NaPizzà?on Place Van Meyel. More in?Le Soir.

EU Quarter tip:?Concerts in the Citizen’s Garden are back! The 2024 season brings a series of concerts during the spring and?summer period, offering the opportunity to enjoy music in a very unique outdoor setting. The performances feature renowned artists and include a mix of music styles. Daily in June, from Monday to Thursday (start at 13:00). More info

Here are some of our?picks with more events in the agenda below:

Brussels Renaissance Festival. The Festival offers a series of events that showcase European heritage and history during the Renaissance highlighting the important role of Brussels during that period. After all, Charles V, the most powerful sovereign of the 16th century, had his main residence in Brussels.?2 June- 5 July.?More info

Concerts at the Parlamentarium. Join a musical voyage through the vision and history of the European Union?during this special series of concerts at the Parlamentarium. Free entry, registration necessary.?From 4 to?7 June.?More info

Vaux-Hall Summer. Annual summer season is marked in the Brussels Park with many activities during the Vaux-Hall Summer programme. Expect DJ sets, movie projections, ateliers & more in this hidden beautiful corner of the Royal Park.?From 13 June to 25 August.?More info

New play at The Bridge Theatre, Brussels . Don’t miss?Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune?by this English-language theatre. The play is a story about two lonely souls who meet for a simple night of passion but stumble upon a chance for true connection.?6 – 22 June.?More info

Brussels Greek Food Festival. To celebrate 80 years of the Greek community in Brussels, this culinary festival invites you to a true celebration of food and culture at Place Van Meenen in Saint Gilles.14-16 June.?More info

Art Nouveau Day Dinner Party at The Nine.?To celebrate World Art Nouveau Day and the 125th Anniversary of its clubhouse, The Nine is organising a special dinner party with Dorka Demeter, Art Nouveau editor of WeLoveBrussels, as the guest speaker.?The event is open to non-members offering a perfect opportunity to discover the lovely atmosphere of this?clubhouse. On 14 June.?More info

Did you know? Maison Hannon celebrates the first anniversary of its opening with thematic visits this weekend. Also, check the?photo story?from our Art Nouveau editor Dorka Demeter?to uncover this exceptional museum.

Agenda:?Ongoing exhibitions & activities

• Garden Tales.?Discover around thirty gardens and green spaces in Uccle which open their doors to the public for the weekend.?Enjoy visits to private gardens, nature walks, guided tours.?1-2 June.?More details
• Fête de l’environnement.?The Environment Festival by Bruxelles Environnement - Leefmilieu Brussel returns to the Park of Tour &?Taxis for a festive?day filled with fun and interactive activities for all ages.?2 June.?More info
• Queen Elisabeth Competition.?This year the competition is dedicated to the violin. The best young violinists from all over the world will compete for the title in Flagey and Bozar.?Until 12 June.?More info
• Midsummer Mozartiade.?Main stage performances of this festival take place at the Théatre Royal des Galeries from?17 – 23 June.?More info
• The Big European Pub Quiz.?Join more European enthusiasts at the first ever pub quiz at the House of European History . There will be live music, drinks and lots of people to test their knowledge, culture and love for European history.?20 June.?More info
• Fête de la Musique.?The 40th edition of the annual music festival will take place at various locations with music workshops and performances all around Belgium.?20-23 June.?More info
• The exhibition ''VOTE: A European Story. Ten elections that shaped our world''?at the Parlamentarium.?In June 2024, citizens from all European Union will elect their representatives to the European Parliament. This temporary expo offers a chance to reflect on how Europe’s supranational democracy has unfolded, from the origins of democratic participation on the continent to the step-by-step building of a true European polity. Until June 2024.?Info
• WAW! P(art)cours-Par(kunst).?WAW – as in Woluwe (St Lambert) / Auderghem / Woluwe (St Pierre) - a biennial of public art means that parks and squares of these 3 communes will be adorned with installations by 14 artists with the theme to (re)enchant the city of Brussels.?Until 23 June.?More info
• Brussels International Film Festival (BRIFF).?In its 7th edition this year, the BRIFF promises interesting films, along with special open air screenings.?25 June – 3 July.?More info
• Couleur Café.?Join the fun in the Osseghem park near the spectacular Atomium. This festival offers a mix of music genres, ranging from hip-hop, reggae, funk, afro to RnB.?28-30 June.?More info
• Festival Musiq3.?Expect four days of quality music and arts at Flagey and the surrounding neighbourhood. Both emerging and established artists from the Belgian and international classical, jazz and electro scenes will take part in the festival, offering a chance to experience the classical music in a whole new way.?27-30 June.?More info
• Bellum et Artes - Europe and the Thirty Years’ War.?The House of European History has a new temporary exhibition Bellum et Artes (War and Arts), about the role of the arts during the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648).?More info
• TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition in Brussels.?Real objects, real stories.?Get?a new perspective on the fate of the largest and most luxurious ship of its time.?Expect to see?authentic artefacts recovered from the wreck of the Titanic at a depth of almost 10,000 feet, the reconstruction of the ship’s rooms and poignant accounts of the passengers present at the time of the shipwreck.?Until end of June at Tour & Taxis.?More info
• Autoworld Museum Brussels : Ford Mustang 60 Years.?Autoworld is highlighting the 60th anniversary of the iconic Ford Mustang with the temporary exhibition ‘Ford Mustang 60 Years: Celebrating the Golden Sixties.’?Until 30 June.?More info
• IMAGINE! Hundred years of International Surrealism.?2024 marks a hundred years of international surrealism and there are many important events lined up to celebrate this. The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium in Brussels is collaborating with Centre Pompidou in Paris for a touring exhibition on surrealistic art. From Dali, Chirico, Pollock, Miro to Belgian surrealists like Khnopff, Spilliaert, Delville and Minne – discover more than 130 works until?21?July.?Info
• Folon – A Trip to Brussels.?2024 marks the ninetieth birth anniversary of legendary Belgian artist, illustrator and sculptor Jean-Michel Folon. In retrospect, the Folon Foundation, along with three museums in Brussels has arranged for exhibitions showcasing Folon’s works. There is also a route with twenty Folon sculptures which can be followed from Galleries Royale Saint-Hubert to Mont des Arts and the Sablon square.?Info
• Histoire de ne pas rire. Surrealism in Belgium. New?exhibition on Belgium’s famous avant-garde movement spanning?60 years can be seen in Bozar. Until 16 June.?Details
• James Ensor. Maestro.?2024 is the year of Ensor,?commemorating the 75th anniversary of the death of famous Belgian artist. Bozar pays a tribute with an exhibition highlighting all his facets in an anthology of some 100 works. Until?23 June.?Info
• GIANTS, temporary exhibition at?Institute of Natural Sciences.?A journey through time - a?chance to feel small next to 11 gigantic animals that lived after the dinosaurs. Until 25 August.?More
• Josef and Anni Albers, Iconic Couple of Modernism.?The Boghossian Foundation hosts the first exhibition in Belgium of the work of Josef and Anni Albers, two pioneers of modernism who produced pivotal artworks that marked the history of 20th century art.?Until 8 September?in the Villa Empain - Fondation Boghossian .

We hope you managed to find a few interesting activities for the coming weeks and let us know if you have any suggestions or ideas for the upcoming editions.