What’s on this week: 11 to 17 April

The Villa Empain and the Boghossian Foundation present a themed dialogue between ancient Egypt and contemporary art in the exhibition Timeless gazes: from pharaohs to the present day. Some 130 works from the prestigious archaeological collections of the Fondation Gandur pour l’Art include rare objects of daily life and funerary art. Offering further insight into fascinating pharaonic life are 40 paintings, photographs and sculptures from the foundation’s collection of African contemporary art. Until 7 September, Avenue Franklin Roosevelt 67 (Ixelles)

The Kinolatino Festival screens the best Latin American cinema in Belgium. Its opening film in Brussels (at Palace Cinema on 11 April) is Mexico 86 by César Diaz, starring Bérénice Bejo (pictured) as a Guatemalan revolutionary who is torn between her political ideals and her family. The festival, now in its third edition, is also hosted in Antwerp, Liège, Namur, Louvain-la-Neuve and Nivelles. 11 to 19 April, cinemas across the country

The Embassy of Iceland and Residency Huet Repolt stage Vor, an exhibition that brings together Belgium-based Icelandic artists. The title of the show means spring in Icelandic, representing a season of hope and new possibilities. It also denotes the spirit shared by these very diverse artists who have left their home country to explore new opportunities. 13 April, Saturday & Sunday 14.00-18.00 and by appointment, Rue du Relais 42 (Watermael-Boitsfort)

From Téo Becher’s industrial images of oil-producing Alberta (pictured), to Nick Verhaeghe’s Maastricht ‘mart’ caves; Pierre Vanneste’s photographs proclaiming the dangers of phosphates, in anything from Coca Cola to fertilisers, to Natalia Majchrzak’s pictures of figure skaters, Contretype’s new Archipel show displays photographs from all corners of the globe. Closer to home, do not miss Justine Menghini and Hugo Istace’s depiction of L28 Park near Tour & Taxis and its impact on the neighbourhood, or the “creeping violence” of Belgium’s far-right nationalism in Lukas Doulsan’s Le chagrin des Belges. Until 6 July, Cité Fontainas 4a (Saint-Gilles)

Final tickets are on sale for the world premiere of Bovary, a new contemporary production of Flaubert’s cult 19th-century novel. Written by Belgian composer Harold Noben and KVS director Michael De Cock, this first collaboration by the pair explores the inner life of heroine Emma Bovary. In French (Fr & NL surtitles). 12-16 April, Théâtre National, Boulevard Emile Jacqmain 111-115

The family-orientated Mini D Festival stages dance and circus performances for children aged four to 12 in venues around the city. The 11 shows include two circus performances, two free open-air shows and dance workshops on Saturdays between 10.00 and 12.00 at the Maison des Cultures et de la Cohésion Sociale in Molenbeek. La Raffinerie in Anderlecht welcomes Compagnie Nyash’s ode to adolescence Je prends feu trop souvent (pictured) for youngsters 12+. Until 27 April, Marni, Rue de Vergnies 25 (Ixelles) and other locations

The Centrale contemporary art space stages Mitja Tušek & Bertille Bak – Wait and See, an exhibition exploring questions around image and representation. Tušek’s unclassifiable and multifaceted work is shown in dialogue with Bak’s videos. Alongside this important show, visual artist Caroline Le Méhauté and choreographer Isabella Soupart present the performance installation Tellus Project, a fusion of art and biology, or bio-art, and Maëlle Dufour shows Porteuses, a focus on one of Brussels’ urban rivers; a timely invitation to reflect on our relationship with the environment. Until 24 August, Place Sainte-Catherine 45

The Trouble performance festival celebrates its 13th edition by setting up more collaborations around the city. Since its launch by Cie Thor at Les Halles de Schaerbeek in 2005, the world of performance has evolved and the festival broaden its scope by embracing artists from Sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean and Mexico. Themes such as magic and shamanism political actions in public spaces and dialogues with the invisible are woven throughout the extensive programme. 15-19 April, multiple locations

The Italian composer Giovanni Battista Pergolesi’s sublime Stabat Mater is performed by the string ensemble Penserosa de MaIa Silberstein at Saint Michel and Saint Gudula Cathedral. Soloists are Julie Gebhart (soprano) and Isabelle Everaerts de Velp (mezzo-soprano). The composition is a jewel of Baroque music and one of the composer’s most feted sacred works. Free entrance; reservation: arsincathedrali@gmail.com. 16 April 20.00, Parvis Sainte-Gudule

Outside Brussels

Enghien’s  Foire de Jardin  is one of the country’s largest garden fairs with some 250 horticulturalists, architects and garden designers. Explore the idyllic four-hectare 17th-century park and pick up new skills in numerous workshops and talks. There are also stands dedicated to outdoor furniture, pools and spas. As well as gourmet food, artisan stands, castle visits and a kids’ playground are among the attractions. 11-13 April, Parc du Château d’Enghien (Hainaut)

Tous au Jardin in Aywailles is the third edition of this garden fair that offers visitors an opportunity to meet horticultural professionals and suppliers of garden tools and materials, while snapping up seasonal plants. Hosted by the Brasserie Elfique on the banks of the Amblève river, there are also gourmet walks and a food market selling regional produce. The opening day of the event is reserved for professionals. 11-13 April, Raborive 2 (Liège)

The stunning bloom is the showpiece of Château de Beloeil’s annual Concours Amaryllis. An exhibition on the ground floor of the magnificent castle is dedicated to floral displays designed for weddings. In total, some 6,000 amaryllis decorate the stylish interior with 21 professional and amateur florists competing in the 12th edition of the event. 12-21 April, Rue du Château 11 (Hainaut)

The annual magical floral carpet of wild bluebells is in full bloom in Hallerbos. Visitors are welcome to admire the ephemeral display of spring blossoms from footpaths in the woods. Forest rangers and volunteers are on hand to ensure the protection of the delicate scented flowers. Free shuttle buses from Halle station at weekends and public holidays, plus free bikes available daily from the station’s cycle point. Until 4 May, Hogebermweg, Halle, Flemish Brabant

Immerse yourself in the country of the rising sun at the Japanese Fes 2025 in Vilvoorde. The indoor and outdoor event embraces culture, from traditional martial arts, cosplay and tea ceremonies to the country’s authentic culinary arts. 12-13 April, Asiat Park, Vilvoorde

Namur’s third season of the free Sunday music concert series Kiosque returns to Place Maurice Servais. The programme boasts different musical styles, from rock to cumbia, reggae, French chanson, jazz, swing, country and Congolese sounds. Kicking off the season is Cordoba - Agnese Duo, an Argentinian guitar and bandoneon ensemble that explores tango music. Every Sunday until September 11.00-12.00, Place Maurice Servais, Namur

The Walloon capital’s cultural centre Le Delta invites reflection on the imaginary world in its new contemporary art exhibition Cabane. While cabins conjure up a sense of freedom and simple pleasures, they can also evoke solitude and suffering and represent a temporary refuge for migrants. Some 23 Belgian and international artists present more than 30 works, including photos, videos and installations on this universal theme that is accessible for all ages. Until 20 July, Avenue Fernand Golenvaux 18, Namur

Discover more upcoming events at The Bulletin's events page.

Photos: (main image) ©Boghossian Foundation Silvia Cappellari; View of the Centrale show Mitja Tusek Bertille Bak ©Philippe De Gobert; Bovary ©Stef Stessel; Hallerbos - city of Halle; Kiosque Namur ©Margaux Voglet; Cabane Chalisée Naamani Dardenne Xavier