What’s new in Bruges and West Flanders this summer?

It might be Belgium’s number one tourist city but perfectly-preserved Bruges, ‘the Venice of the North,’ is surprisingly small.

This is one reason why it is worth venturing to some of the outer canal districts to escape the hordes of tourists.

But beyond boat tours and bars plying Belgian brews, the medieval city also offers a serious dose of culture.

Recently inaugurated art venue BRUSK (pictured above) only confirms its credentials as a world-class destination for art and history. By weaving its rich heritage with contemporary creation, Bruges aims to recreate the fervour of its golden age when it was at the centre of not only of international trade but cutting-edge art.

Located in the museum quarter of the city, visitors access the modern BRUSK gallery via an enclosed landscaped garden. The museum is a bold architectural; a soaring glazed structure with minimalist concrete features. Its light-filled entrance and stairwell setting the tone for the spacious and cool exhibition spaces.

The two launch exhibition demonstrate the breadth and ambition of the new complex. Bigger Picture: Interwoven Worlds of Bruges 900–1550 delves into Bruges’ golden age when it established itself as a major global economic and cultural crossroads from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance.

This is counterpoised by Turkish-American artist Refik Anadol’s first solo show of digital works in Belgium: Latent City (pictured above). The LA-based creative produces what he calls “data painting” that employ AI to form dynamic and evolving visuals.

Another must-see show

BRUSK is part of the museum hub Musea Brugge that groups together 13 venues. The  medieval St John’s Hospital is showing the groundbreaking exhibition Underneath the Shade We Lay Grounded by Nigerian-Belgian contemporary artist Otobong Nkanga until 25 September. It consists of a dialogue between her own multidisciplinary works – new and pre-existing – and paintings from Museum Brugge’s collection, including Hans Memling and Jan Beerblock that filles the entirety of the museum.

Walk the city

The Visit Bruges tourism office proposes a new walking guide Oooh! Bruges with four routes (short and long options) of both standout and lesser-known spots: Amazing World Heritage, Burgundian Splendour, Silent Nostalgia and Contemporary Hotspots. It costs €3.50 and is available in six languages from tourist offices and the train station.

Alternatively, take a tour of one of the city’s cultural temples from 15 July to 29 August. The Theatre recounts explores the Royal Municipal Theatre, a magnificent monument dating from 1869. It includes hidden corners like catacombs, artists' lodges and an interactive children's trail. Meanwhile, Concertgebouw Circuit, takes visitors on a tour of the art and architecture of the imposing concert hall with an interactive trail, tailored to children and adults, delving into all of its nooks and crannies, plus its lofty rooftop (pictured above).

Alternative city events

The Bruges Zandfeesten is the largest flea market in Flanders. Upcoming dates for the day-long antique sale in the 't Zand are 7 August and 25 September.

Fans of natural flora can explore Bruges' woods and wetlands by bike, pausing at one of these picking gardens on the outskirts of the city, Landgoed Lisbona or De Innengaard.

Art and film in West Flanders

Picturesque ‘white’ village Lissewege displays 120 works of art for the 28th edition of the Sculpture Route (pictured above) until 20 September. It features a variety of works by local and international artists that grace indoor and outdoor sites, from quiet squares to church interiors.

Zeebrugge is the setting for the annual Movie on the Beach summer screenings. Three open-air films are shown near Icarus surfing club every Thursday during July and August: for young children at 14.00; older children at 16.00; and the evening screening at 20.00.

Festival fun

Cactusfestival is staged in the enchanting Lake of Love Park in Bruges’ Minnenwaterpark from 10 to 12 July. It features concerts by Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, Editors, Madness, Franz Ferdinand, Belle and Sebastian, Richard Hawley, White Lies and Supergrass, among national and international artists.

City festival MOODS! in the city centre of Bruges is spread across seven concert nights from 29 July to 11 August. It promises to be a colourful music trip with performances by Suzanne Vega, Emiliana Torrini, Tiken Jah Fakoly, Babylon Circus, among others.

WECANDANCE on 6 and 7 August transforms the sandy expanse of Zeebrugge beach into a magical world of hypnotic colours, psychedelic prints and, of course, the best DJs.

Closing the resort’s festival summer programme, Zeebrugge beach is the stage for hottest dance hall and afrobeats at Bomboclat on 26 and 27 August. An extensive kids' corner is among its many attractions.

Somewhere to stay 

Four-star Hotel Navarra occupies a 17th-century mansion close to the Grote Markt. Despite its location and history, the elegant address offers quiet accommodation, a friendly reception and modern amenities that stretch to a large underground pool, spa and gym. Breakfast is served in a spacious dining room overlooking the cobbled courtyard and bustling Sint-Jakobsstraat. A small garden and onsite parking are additional draws.

Boutique Guesthouse Everelmus (pictured above) is a masterfully restored, high-end 18th-century city house that neighbours some of Bruges’ top sites, including the new BRUSK art gallery, the Groeninge Museum, St John’s Hospital and the beautiful Our Lady’s church.  Opened only last year, it features an intimate layout with three luxurious guest rooms, a canal view and an old coach house suite in its enclosed garden. Guests appreciate its healthy breakfast options and personalised services such as a free tour by the host, who happens to be a qualified city guide.

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Photos: (main image) BRUSK Render ©Image by MakeMe; BRUSK©Studio Woester; ©Refik_Anadol_Quantum Memories; ©Concertgebouw circuit Brugge; Lissewege bewerkt ©jandarthet