What’s on this week: 3-9 March

For Villa Empain’s latest exhibition, 20 contemporary artists of varying ages and backgrounds present a narrative that traverses childhood, sibling and parental relationships. Family matters takes viewers on a journey of emotions that explores the artists’ personal family experiences through video art, installations, sculpture, paintings and drawings. And they range from fiction, documentary and visual essay to filmed performance and immersive experiences. (photo by Belgian visual artists Hans Op de Beeck). Until 28 May, Avenue Franklin Roosevelt 50 (Ixelles)

Whether you are looking to invest in contemporary design or simply want a sofa you won’t see in anyone else’s home, the Collectible design fair has something for you. Everything here is unique – from furniture to lighting to art objects – and most of it is one-of-a-kind or part of a limited edition. If you’re not in the market for a new purchase now, Collectible is still a wonderful showcase of interior design ideas. 9-12 March, Tour & Taxis, Avenue du Port 86

Perhaps you’ve seen images of the delightful open-air sculptures of Le Chat in various cities around Europe and thought, why not Brussels? After all, Philippe Geluck – the Belgian creator of the famously droll cartoon cat – lives in the capital. Finally, Le Chat Déambule will be unveiled in Brussels Park on 9 March. And two new statues of Le Chat have been added for the occasion! The 22 larger-than-life bronzes of the beloved feline in a number of poses were all moulded by Geluck’s steady hands and are free to view until the summer. 9 March to 30 June, Place des Palais

The largest exhibition of 007 memorabilia ever assembled outside the UK awaits visitors at Bond in Motion*. It features a full range of the world-famous spy’s vehicles, from his iconic Aston Martins to the Little Nellie autogyro and an array of other planes, trains and automobiles. Celebrating 60 years of Bond films, the immersive show also displays gadgets and props, while models and maquettes reveal the ‘making of’ thrilling special effects. A British restaurant-bar, serving up specialities such as fish & chips and 007’s trademark ‘shaken but not stirred’ vodka martini, add to the Bond experience. Until 14 May, Brussels Expo, Place de la Belgique 1 (Laeken)

As a show, Reclaim is much more than a collective theatre and circus performance. It’s an invitation to cast aside your fears and concerns and let your voice sing in this group expression of joy and freedom. The production is by the multidisciplinary Théâtre d’un jour, created by Canadian-born Patrick Masset. 3-7 March 20.00, Les Halles de Schaerbeek, Rue Royale Sainte-Marie 22a (Schaerbeek)

Discover the story behind the timeless masterpiece. Hallelujah. Leonard Cohen, a Journey, a Song is a feature-length documentary by award-winning film makers Dan Geller and Dayna Goldfine. Part of Brussels International Jewish Film Festival (BJIFF), it relates how Canadian-born poet and songwriter Cohen became one of the 20th-century’s most iconic artists and how his most famous song became an anthem to love and remorse (the film is in English with French subtitles). 8 March 19.30, Bozar, Rue Ravenstein 23

See the Dutch painter’s iconic works come to life as they’re projected onto every corner of the space in this immersive exhibition on Vincent Van Gogh*. As well as submerging you in his bright Mediterranean landscapes and still life paintings, the show traces key moments of Van Gogh life. Exhibition Hub has also developed a new enveloping space, ‘From Woodblocks to Van Gogh’, which shows off wood-cutting techniques, developed in China more than 1,000 years ago. Galerie Horta, Rue du Marché aux Herbes 116

Get ready for a Sunday afternoon of music and song in this Irish Party. The Brussels Concert Band is joined by entertainers from the Emerald Isle Niall Gallagher, Tara Dance and Dunja, along with multilingual presenter Héritier Tipo. Folk band Malahide will also complete the Irish experience. 5 March 15.00, Avenue Charles Thielemans 93 (Woluwe-Saint-Pierre)

Henri Privat-Livemont started out an as interior designer, but eventually turned his predilection for the curves and vines of Art Nouveau to paper. He became Belgium’s leading producer of advertising posters, creating designs you will recognise even today. In the exhibition Fleurs À L’affiche, Autrique House delves into the life and work of the Belle Époque artist, taking place during this special year in Brussels dedicated to Art Nouveau. 9 March to 14 January 2024, Chaussée de Haecht 266, Schaerbeek

Two diatonic accordion masters showcase the beauty of this box-shaped instrument in a spectacular Muziekpubliqe concert. Belgian musician Anne Niepold is considered one of the best accordion players in Europe and Andy Cutting from the UK has worked with names such as Sting and The Who. From Niepold’s combination of styles and timeless music to Cutting’s traditional English folk songs and contemporary melodies, the pair combine their music styles to convey strong emotions. A folk dance follows with both artists playing before making way for Anouk Sanczuk on the violin and Florian de Schepper on the guitar. 3 March, Théâtre Molière, Galerie de la Porte de Namur, 3 Square du Bastion (Ixelles)

Dragon ball Z, Naruto, Bleach and more are all going to be at Made In Asia Festival. Discover loads of artistic activities in Little Asia such as making Origamis, drawing manga characters with Belgian mangaka – manga artist – Moonkey, playing Mahjong and more. Outside of Little Asia, cosplay as your favourite characters, take selfies and participate in role playing games where you can immerse yourself in your character’s universe. Test your gaming mettle as you compete to become the king of retro gaming with titles such as Tekken 7 and Street Fighter. Meet famous manga artists, authors as well as streamers who can’t wait to meet their fans. 3-5 March, Brussels Expo, Place de la Belgique 1

EU Comedy thing is back with it’s first show of 2023 and three comedians from around Europe. With his deadpan expressions and hysterical poetry, French comedian Marcel Lucont has taken the comedy world by storm. In the last few years he’s been the recipient of the Amused Moose laughter award and made a number of TV appearances. Aside from brilliant comedy, Irish comedian John Colleary is also an experienced actor and writer. He’s appeared and written for IFTA nominated shows such as the Savage Eye and performed alongside Tommy Tiernan. Originating from Amsterdam, Edo Berger has won many Dutch comedy awards before switching to performing in English. Each ticket includes one free drink. 8 March, 20.00-22.00, Bouche à Oreille, Rue Félix Hap 11 (Etterbeek)

Mime and puppet family show Maurice recounts the life of French composer Maurice Ravel. Combining puppetry and classic piano, it’s a brilliant opportunity for children and families to learn about Ravel’s secretive life. Bit by bit, the story unravels in a simplistic yet evocative way through puppets controlled by Charlotte Devyver. Children will come to recognise the composer’s passions and appreciate how music informed his identity. 4-5 March, Petit Théâtre Mercelis, Rue Mercelis 13

The Brussels Women's Club invites members and friends to learn more about Mala India, a project that provides a brighter future for underprivileged children in India. Enjoy afternoon tea, an Indian and British-themed gift raffle and help raise more funds for this charity and others supported by the BWC. 7 March 14.00, Rue au Bois 509 (Woluwe-Saint-Pierre)

Book now: On Masculinity  The Full Circle international club is hosting a series of conversations led by Kriticos Mwansa, a musician, marketer and founder of The Book Club.eu, which does not require you to read the book, just come with an open mind and a penchant for critical thinking. This time around he is looking at the ideas posed by Bell Hooks in her book The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity and Love. 18 March 15.00-17.00, Chaussée de Vleurgat 89 (Ixelles)

Outside Brussels

Leuven Jazz is pulling out all the stops for the 10th anniversary of the festival, with 50 events in dozens of locations across the city. There are names big (John Scofield, Aaron Parks, Lakecia Benjamin, pictured) and small (newcomers Vorklift and LupaGanGang) as well as film screenings, jazzy puppet theatre, living room concerts, a trio at the museum and a dance battle to live jazz. 9-19 March, across Leuven

The Kraak Festival is unique for its focus on the sounds that come together to create music – or something like it. There are a lot of groovy soundscapes here by international musicians and artists, who clank, chant and grind their way to sonic enchantment. Among it all are Italian war songs and something referred to as “goblin electronica”. 4 March, Het Bos Bar, Ankerrui 5, Antwerp

Design from a humanist approach. That’s the premise of exhibition Futuro Gentile – A kind future by internationally-renowned contemporary Italian architect and designer Michele De Lucchi and his multidisciplinary studio AMDL Circle. The show at the Grand-Hornu design museum is divided into two simultaneous and complementary circuits that reveal his design experimentation and his vision as an architect. Until 27 August, Site du Grand-Hornu, Rue Sainte-Louise 82, Hornu (Hainaut)

Georges Simenon was one of the greatest writers of the 20th century and one of the world’s most-read French-language authors. To celebrate the 120th anniversary of his birth, his home city Liège is hosting the Printemps Simenon festival, in collaboration with the prolific writer’s son John Simenon and the University of Liège. Discover the life and work of the creator of Inspector Maigret via exhibitions, literary talks, screenings and themed walks. 8-11 March, venues across Liège

Photos: Geluck-le-juste-retour-des-choses © Studio-fiftyfifty; Leonard Cohen, 'Hallelujah Leonard Cohen, a Journey, a Song', Dan Geller & Dayna Goldfine © Sony Pictures Classics; Henri Privat-Livemont; Leuven Jazz (c)Elizabeth Leitzell; CID DE LUCCHI (c)CAROLINE_DETHIERportrait-georges-simenon-1-c-sanjiro-minamikawa-c-simenon-tm-collection-fonds-georges-simenon-uliege;

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