Best of Brussels in November 2024.

As the leaves turn amber and the days get shorter, we have more than just November on our minds - WeLoveBrussels?has reached?its ten-year milestone! It’s hard to believe that a decade has passed since we set our mission to capture the very best of Brussels:?its culture, art, heritage, gastronomy, and the city lifestyle. With each year, our community?has grown, and today, we’re thrilled to reach out to over 160,000 people across different platforms. This journey has been shaped by you, our enthusiastic readers, as well as our team members, exceptional collaborators, friends, supporters, and partners who’ve helped us to become the leading inspiration platform?in?the Belgian capital. Thank you for being part of our story!

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be diving deeper into our ten-year journey, revisiting some of the interesting moments, while bringing?a few surprises along the way. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves - November is packed with events that will keep you?entertained, so let's dive in!

Have you ever visited the Brussels City Hall on the Grand Place??This magnificent building can now be explored in an engaging way with innovative video guides. Visitors can choose one of the immersive tours,?guided by two animated characters, Michel and Gudule, who bring the building’s past to life with their fun anecdotes. The tour transports visitors through centuries of history with 360-degree images and immersive content suitable for all ages. Whether you're a heritage enthusiast, art lover, or simply looking for a?nice family activity, this experience should be on your list.?Discover more

Mark your calendars for?MAD Parcours - Downtown Edition, organised by MAD Brussels, an event that celebrates Brussels' creative essence. Equipped with an interactive map, you can?explore?the streets of the city center to discover the work of Brussels-based fashion and design creators and brands. This is a?unique opportunity to (re)discover diverse local talents, collaborations and exhibitions from 14-16 November. Plan your visit.

Brussels Design Market promises to be?the largest vintage design market in Europe with?authentic vintage design furniture, lighting and decoration objects of the XXth Century and much more. On 16 & 17 November in Gare Maritime, Tour & Taxis. More details

"Fashion Art & Demure" by Natan?celebrates fashion as a powerful art form. Held at the brand-new Louisa Tower in Brussels,?the exhibition blurs the lines between fashion and art with?an inspirational journey through the exquisite couture creations of Edouard Vermeulen.?Showcasing the artistry that defines contemporary fashion,?this expo is a celebration of refined style, offering a fresh perspective on the essence of elegance and fashion. Until 30 December. More details

Looking for great art?paired with unique views of Brussels? Check the new Art Pops?expo at the Belfius Art Centre on Place Rogier. These annual exhibitions on the top floor of Belfius building?have become an unmissable?addition to the art scene in the Belgian capital. Get inspired.

The Brussels Expertise Labels organises a third edition of the BEL Prizes while presenting its ephemeral exhibition program on the theme "When expertise meets art." The event will be held at Autoworld museum from 29 November to 1 December. Learn more

After 66 years since their debut, the Smurfs have returned to the place where it all started. First appearing in Peyo’s comic strips in 1958, these beloved blue characters have charmed audiences across the globe. Now, with The Great Smurfs Adventure at Brussels Expo, fans of all ages can step into their magical world, take on the role of a real Smurf and explore the Smurf village?with its iconic mushroom houses and mystical forest.?Discover more.

The vibrant festival Korea Unboxed: Taste, Glow, Explore takes place from 16-17?November, at the Korean Cultural Center and Place?de la Chapelle. Experience the best of Korean culture with authentic street food, K-beauty trends, and traditional hanbok try-ons. Perfect chance for anyone eager to explore Korean culture and heritage. More info

In case you still haven't discovered the?Belgian Beer World in the former stock exchange building, free entrance is offered to Brussels residents?from 12 to 25 November.?The museum opened one year ago, showcasing?Belgian beer culture and its various breweries. The admission also includes a visit to?the recently renovated archaeological museum Bruxella 1238 (located right next to the Bourse building)?with its 13th-century ruins of a former Franciscan monastery. Details here

If you're into theatre, check the Brigde Theatre's latest production?Radiant Vermin?at?La Tricoterie in?Saint Gilles. Expect a comic satire about a young couple who are offered a way out of the housing crisis, and the lengths to which they are willing to go for it. From 5 - 23 November. More info

The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium presents a new exhibition Drafts: From Rubens to Khnopff, running until 16 February. Step into the?studio and witness the creative process firsthand, capturing the essence of a work of art from the very first sketch—whether on a blank sheet, a wooden panel, or a piece of cardboard.?This immersive experience promises new perspectives on the behind-the-scenes of creations by iconic artists such as Rogier van der Weyden, Rembrandt, Rubens, Magritte, and many others.?More details?

Marollescence offers a new way to enjoy the authentic?Marolles neighbourhood by following a?path with?iridescent artistic installations?until 5?January. Discover six?artworks that will guide you along?the cozy streets and shops, bars and restaurants of this vibrant district.?From Place de la Chapelle to Place du Jeu de Balle, a perfect excuse to wander around this picturesque quartier. More here

The Design Museum Brussels presents?Untold Stories – Women Designers in Belgium, 1880-1980, the works of over 50 women designers and makers active in Belgium between 1880 and 1980. Featuring a diverse range of objects, many of which have?never been displayed before. This groundbreaking showcase celebrates the under-appreciated contributions of women to Belgian craft and design. Until 13 April. More info

Finally, the sad?news last month was the announced closure of the?Millennium Iconoclast Museum of Art (MIMA)?in the canal area. MIMA?will close its doors?on 5 January 2025, after 9 years, 17 exhibitions, and over 400,000 visitors. The?current exhibition 'Multitude' by Alexandre Farto aka Vhils?is still on, so don't miss one of the last opportunities?to enjoy the final chapter of the museum's unique journey. More here

EU Quarter tips: In November, a new concert series starts at Info Hub of the European Parliament. Lunchtime concerts begin on 5 November at 13:00 and will be happening weekly each Tuesday?during November and December. Concerts will include classical and jazz performances by different musicians and ensembles. Free access. November schedule here.

A new temporary exhibition Changemakers: From committed art to democratic artivism?opens in the Parlamentarium on 14 November. The exhibition explores how young artists and activists engage in the defence of democracy through artivism and social networks. Learn more?

EU literature prize winners will guide museum tours at the House of European History?on 21 November (12.15 - 13h). After drawing inspiration from the museum's permanent exhibition, Jeff Schinker, Sabina Jakuboswka and Tadhg Mac Dhonnagain, who have won the European Union Prize for Literature (EUPL), will each offer a guided tour on a topic or theme of their choice. Tours are in English, French and Polish,?and are free of charge. Info here

Wild About Art - Fun Family Trail on 17 November (10 - 18h). Follow a special art trail around the museum, complete drawing challenges and learn about European history. The journey starts in a room decorated with the animals of the fables of Jean de la Fontaine. But some of them have escaped and are hiding inside of the exhibition.?The trail is available in English, French, Dutch and German. Info here

Tuesday lunch tours continue?in the House of European History,?exploring?the topic of 'revolutions' this month.?Tours are in English and free to attend. From 12h15 – 13h. No booking required.?More info

Also happening this month:

• Expo?Future Generation by MAD Brussels showcases emerging Brussels talents in the field of fashion and design.?Until 16 November. More info
• Les Nuits Weekender, an exciting event with 18 concerts each night—54 performances over three days. The lineup showcases a selection of exceptional artists, featuring both new releases and upcoming projects. 1-3 November. More here
• Hans/Jean Arp & Sophie Taeuber-Arp: Friends, Lovers, Partners.?Bozar hosts a major exhibition celebrating one of the most iconic artist couples of the 20th century: Hans/Jean Arp and Sophie Taeuber-Arp, key figures in abstract art. Open until?19 January?2025, this exhibition invites you to explore the intertwined romantic and artistic lives of the duo.?More info
• The exhibition?Love is Louder?opens on 12 October in?Bozar. From the Summer of Love of 1967 to today, the show explores how in the last 50 years we have moved beyond the image of the traditional couple or the nuclear family, how friendships are shaping to be and what it means to use actions of love within society. Discover the work of 80 national and international artists in a wide range of media.?More info
• Recently opened: Step back 2,200 years and explore ancient China with the?Terracotta Army exhibition in Brussels! Discover the grandeur of the Terracotta Warriors and the legacy of China’s First Emperor. Embark on this extraordinary journey at Tour & Taxis.?More info
• Free concerts at Brussels City Hall for?the 7th edition of Music City Hall. More than 20 concerts?are on offer on 16 and 17 November in the beautiful building of the Town Hall on the Grand Place. More here
• This year,?the Hors Pistes festival is rebranded as HP. From 27 November?to 15 December, the festival will expand across various locations in Brussels. Unlike previous editions focused solely on circus arts, HP now embraces a wide range of disciplines, including dance, performances, music, and interdisciplinary projects. More info
• New edition of the biennial Ars Musica festival, titled Urban Nature, runs?from 13 November?to 3 December.?The festival explores the evolution of music and what it represents today, with a focus on the concept of the city as a space for musical development and nature as a source of inspiration. More info
• Bellum et Artes - Europe and the Thirty Years’ War.?The House of European History has a temporary exhibition Bellum et Artes (War and Arts), about the role of the arts during the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648).?More info
• Fifty Lab Music Festival returns for 2024, running from November 13 to 15! This year’s edition highlights emerging music talents from around the world, featuring DJ sets and live performances. Discover more
• One of the biggest queer parties in Europe: La Demence. Celebrating its 35th anniversary, this iconic event spans three nights, bringing together all ages and styles from across the queer community. 1-4 November. More info
• The exhibition?Hosting?at?La Centrale, marks the reopening of this art space in the Saint Catherine’s district after extensive renovations. To celebrate this event, the expo?‘hosting’?showcases the work of 250 artists from Brussels and its surrounding suburbs, transforming the entire space of?la Centrale, a former power station, into a vibrant gathering point. Until 9 Feb.?More info
• Pink Screens, the 23rd edition of?Brussels Queer Film festival celebrates sexualities and different genders. The festival includes films, short audiovisual works and the?queer expo. Until 9 November. More info
• “Alechinsky, Pinceau Voyageur” - For the very first time since its opening to the public in 2010, the Boghossian Foundation presents a solo exhibition devoted to a major European artist of the 20th century, in the welcoming and unique setting of the Villa Empain. The expo is an ode to travel, freedom and friendship, featuring an exceptional collection of approximately one hundred pieces alongside numerous archival documents amassed over the last seventy years. More here
• Artcontest is back for its 20th anniversary. Selected artists will showcase their work at the Maison des Arts in Schaerbeek. The competition seeks to discover, support, and mentor contemporary young artists based in Belgium, fostering their development over the long term. Until 10 November. Info
• The digital culture art center?presents an exhibition focused on raising awareness around the concept of "care." Inspired by Wislawa Szymborska’s poem End and Beginning, the exhibition Fin et Début / Einde en Begin explores the relationship between humans and technology, delving into the various possibilities for the future of humanity.?Until 16 February. More info
• If you love shopping and vintage finds, don't miss the Voddemet flea market on 11 November. Featuring local and private participants alongside professional exhibitors, this edition promises a fantastic selection of unique items. More
• The 23rd edition of the Brussels Art Film Festival (BAFF) brings an electrifying selection of films this year. From 13 - 17?November, immerse yourself in films about artists from diverse disciplines, including painting, dance, and beyond. With screenings, discussions, and exclusive insights into the creative process. Info?
• From 28 November?to 6 December, the Cinemamed festival will present a selection of around 60 films, blending fiction and documentary to offer a comprehensive view of cinematic reality. The festival aims not only to introduce audiences to new films but also to encourage reflection through discussions and debates organized throughout the event. More
• The?Horta Museum?presents?Smooth as Velvet, featuring five artists who will transform the house’s walls until?30 May, 2025. This fabric choice highlights Horta’s love for textiles, especially silk, and underscores the architectural importance of textiles as a source of ornamentation.?Discover more
• Sublimating nature seems to have always been the creative leitmotif of famous Belgian designer?Ado Chale?whose?retrospective exhibition?runs until?16 November?in the stables of the?Hotel Solvay?in Brussels. The expo will feature both historic creations and never-before-seen pieces, testifying to both the wealth of his talent and the passing of the torch to the younger generation. More?info here
• Here We Are! Women in Design, 1900 -Today exhibition?in Design Museum Brussels pays tribute to women designers past and present, through a large collection of furniture, ceramics, glass, textiles, fashion and graphic design. Until March 2025.?Discover more
• Filem On, the International Film Festival for Young Audiences is on until 6 November. The?event showcases a captivating selection of short films, features, animations, and documentaries for young audiences and families alike.?More here
• Expo:?Multitude - VHILS. MIMA museum presents a solo exhibition by Alexandre Farto aka Vhils. Visitors can encounter wall carvings, billboards, cityscapes, videos and installations offering a compelling insight into the Portuguese artist approach to the relationship between people and cities. Until 5 January 2025.?Info
• Jules Fran?ois Crahay. Fashion & Lace Museum in Brussels hosts the first exhibition devoted to Jules Fran?ois Crahay. This Belgian is one of the last geniuses of couture. For the first time, and thanks to extensive research, the expo offers an opportunity to discover this undeservedly forgotten couturier.?Until 10 November.?More info

If you're looking for?a?culture tip?outside Brussels, we suggest a quick trip?to Liège and?a recently opened?expo?The Worlds of Paul Delvaux at La Boverie.?This is?a major new exhibition about Paul Delvaux, presenting masterpieces that have not been seen or brought together for many years.?Experience Delvaux’s influence on Surrealism and art history through a captivating display of paintings, drawings, and installations.?More info

For the music aficionados, our collaborator David Vidal Sans brings us?a selection of festivals, concerts and parties all around Brussels and?nearby cities. Discover more in our?November music agenda!

...

MAD Brussels Brussels Major Events BRUSSELS DESIGN MARKET Natan Belfius Belgian Beer World Experience The Bridge Theatre, Brussels Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium Brussels Museums Autoworld Museum Brussels Bozar Design Museum Brussels MIMA - Museum House of European History European Parliament Botanique Centrale for contemporary art Villa Empain - Fondation Boghossian H?tel Solvay - Huis Solvay - Solvay House Fashion & Lace Museum La Boverie Ville de Bruxelles - Stad Brussel