What’s on this week: 21 to 27 February

Contemporary Belgian artist Berlinde De Bruyckere creates raw, visceral sculptures that embody death, life, passion, and vulnerability. This first solo exhibition at Bozar, Khorós, shows over 50 works from the past 25 years in dialogue with art by historical and contemporary artists. De Bruyckere (born 1964) has achieved international as well as national recognition for her unique artistic universe and use of unconventional materials such as wax, animal skins, hair, textiles and lead. 21 February to 31 August, Rue Ravenstein 23

The history of the Belgian capital is revisited in the promenade show Phantoms in Brussels. Famous figures from its past, ranging from Charles Quint and Napoleon to the Manneken Pis and opera diva Maria Callas, return in the form of ghosts in this immersive spectacle in the gothic City Hall. The 45-minute show is in French, Dutch and English. 21 February to 9 March, City Hall, Grand Place

Early music celebration FestiVita honours the artistic and cultural heritage of Venice for its 5th edition at the Cercle Royal Gaulois. With more than 80 artists, concerts, an exhibition and a prestigious patron – violinist Amandine Beyer – the programme overflows with highlights. They include a Venetian banquet with theatrical readings and menus inspired by old recipes, a Venetian masked ball and a candlelit concert with FluteLab (pictured), among other ensembles. Until 23 February, Rue de la Loi 5

Hone your dance moves now for the K-pop & K-hiphop Night – Lunar New Year Edition. The special evening dedicated to the Korean music phenomenon at city-centre venue Plein Publik promises K-pop and K-hiphop tunes all night long. Age restriction 18+. 21 February 23.00-5.00, Mont des Arts 5

Multi-sensory experience activity SENSAS disembarks in Brussels after tours in France, the UK and Spain. The immersive two-hour adventure is designed as a group activity, whether among friends, family or colleagues. Participants are invited to draw on the human capacity to adapt when their five senses are restricted. Six themed rooms challenge teams with experiences such as the Smell Workshop, where they will have to rely on their nose and memory, the Sight Workshop, where laser beams need to be dodged, or the Leaning Room, which disrupts sensory cues. From 24 February, Rue de Livourne 65 (Ixelles)

Come out to play at Schaerbeek’s stunning Maison des Arts, now transformed into a playground. This former bourgeois mansion becomes an action zone with the exhibition Terrain de Jeux. It brings together eight artists whose relationship with play is key, from Eva Evrard’s joyous murals to Christophe Terlinden’s mini brass people and objects (pictured). Play is a tool to encourage cooperation, fantasy and imagination. Much more than a childhood pastime, the activity becomes a metaphor for sociability as art, photographs and sculptures, complete with creative workshops, guided tours and school visits amply demonstrate. Until 11 May, Chaussée de Haecht 147 (Schaerbeek)

There is more to Marcel Broodthaers (1924-1976) than mussel paintings. CIVA’s new exhibition highlights that the Brussels-born creator (pictured) was fascinated by design and architecture, notably collaborating with Brutalist genius Constantin Brodzki, the man behind the CBR Building. For CIVA’s artistic director Nikolaus Hirsch, Marcel Broodthaers – The Architect is Absent offers a deep insight into Broodthaers’ career, and the way he was influenced by the architectural and urban transformations of his time. The key exhibit is the Monument Public, a reference to the legendary Martini Tower [built 1957 and destroyed in 2002].” Until 29 June, Rue de l’Hermitage 55 (Ixelles)

Three talented Belgian/British photographers launch a photography exhibition at the Louise Yoga Loft. Damien Maguire, Alun Foster and Adrian Cornwell display their landscape work that explores an objective outlook on light, colour and tone as well as our own perceptions of this individually perceived reality. Other images are more abstract, showing the ethereal quality of smoke and air, as well as fine art photography from the UK and Belgium, along with studio-shot pictures. From 21 February 19.30 (vernissage), Chaussee de Vleurgat 109 (Ixelles)

OUTSIDE BRUSSELS

Festival Kortrijk kicks off the Festival of Flanders series of classical and new music, which takes place in cities across the region all year long. Celebrating its 15th anniversary with a focus on reflection, content and form, the programme is spread across two weekends. Warning: tickets are selling fast! 21-23 February & 14-16 March, across Kortrijk

Hainaut animal park Pairi Daiza has launched its new season with a brand new zone Lands of the Past. Préhi Daiza, dedicated to prehistoric creatures. The open-air exhibition includes some 60 dinosaurs and other animals from the glacial era. From lush plains to icy poles, it offers an immersive experience for all ages. Other new additions to the park following some winter baby arrivals include three young black leopard cubs, a white rhinoceros and a young lion cub. Domaine de Cambron, Brugelette

Needcompany gives Shakespeare's tragedies and comedies a contemporary twist with the double bill Billy's Violence + Billy's Joy. The Brussels-based international performing troupe is staging the two adaptations by Victor Afung Lauwer for the first time in Belgium with this performance in Leuven. It’s a powerful and highly physical double bill with performances by eight actors who not once absent themselves from the stage. Dutch, English, Catalan and Spanish spoken with Dutch and English surtitles. 26 February 18.00, 30CC, Leuven

The campus town of Louvain-la-Neuve turns the spotlight on student folklore in the exhibition Gaudeamus that explores its various rites and traditions. From the colourful banners proudly borne to processions, songs and Latin chants, the insignias and badges earned by students testify to a rich and living heritage. Dating from the end of the 19th century, these codified ceremonies are shared by all of Belgium’s universities. Until 27 March, Place de l’Université 1, Louvain-la-Neuve

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

Photos: (main image) Berlinde De Bruyckere; FluteLab Bxl ©Jean-Smetz; Marcel Broodthaers sur un chantier (1957) CIVA; Billys Joy ©Wonge Bergmann; Gaudemas, photo ©Bruno d’Alimonte