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What’s on this week: 6 to 12 June
The Design Museum contributes to the capital’s Art Deco centenary celebrations with a new exhibition focusing on a pioneering and prolific husband-and-wife-team. Paris, Brussels and back. The Art Deco period of the Baucher-Ferron couple shows how the duo forged a successful design business, including their own studio and emblematic furniture store in Avenue Louise. Among the exhibits are archival material of their textile designs, lighting, objects, carpets and furniture from the period. 6 June to 2 November, Place de Belgique 1, Heysel (Laeken)
In Plain Sight is a 360° immersive experience marking World Environment Day, commissioned by Environmental Defense Fund Europe. It brings together experts in science, policy and creative storytellers. It is open to the public upon registration. 5 June 17.00–21.00, Plein Publiek, Mont des Arts
Head to Cinquantenaire Park for Hangar’s Open Air event with Adriatique on Saturday. The Swiss electronic music producer and DJ duo of Adrian Shala and Adrian Schweizer will be playing an extended set under the arches of the landmark city monument. Tickets here. 7 June 14.00, Cinquantenaire Park
How did the pioneering Art Deco style movement reflect the vibrant albeit turbulent interwar period? This is the premise of the free exhibition Art Deco. Style in a changing century at the BELvue Museum, where the King Baudouin Foundation shows off some of its finest sculptures and artworks to underline the relationship between an increasingly modern society and the decorative arts. It highlights the changing role of women and increasing industrialisation, which rendered the style accessible to the masses. Exceptional ceramics, glassware, vases and even a fabulous collection of vintage car radiator caps are on display. Until 4 January, Place des Palais 7
For the second edition of the Boutures Festival, the Balsamine theatre invites the Xeno-collective to curate the season finale. The travelling artistic platform highlighting feminist, racist and non-binary struggles focuses on the links between mental health and systemic inequalities via workshops, performances, poetry, talks, screenings and other activities, including a final DJ set on Saturday evening. 6-7 June, Avenue Félix Marchal 1 (Schaerbeek)
Children with learning difficulties continue to battle to get the support they need at school. That’s why Brussels director Anny Tubbs talked to schoolkids from Belgium and France about their experiences for her new short documentary Ma Place Dans Ce Monde (In Fr with Eng subtitles). This premiere screening will be followed by a panel discussion with experts and a Q&A with the audience. 7 June 18.30-20.00 (doors open 18.00), Chaussée de Vleurgat 89 (Ixelles)
Some 50 prestigious castles, private estates and Art Nouveau homes in Brussels, Flanders and Wallonia exceptionally open to the public during the Vestalia 2025 festival. The second edition of the heritage event stages intimate concerts and walking tours. All of the participating residences belong to the Royal Association of Historic Residences and Gardens of Belgium. President Véronique de Limburg Stirum from the Adornes estate (pictured) in Bruges says: "Opening up private heritage not only creates a unique experience for visitors, but also strengthens the link between the past, present, and future." 7-15 June, across Belgium
Brussels-based choir and orchestra BachWerk perform Bach's St Matthew Passion under the direction of Matthew Carver on Saturday evening. BachWerk is an international group of singers and musicians who share a common passion for classical music. The concert is staged at Eglise Saint-Marc and tickets are priced at €20; €10 for under 18s. 7 June 18.00, Avenue de Fré 76 (Uccle)
Vaux-Hall Summer. returns to Brussels Park with its free and vibrant cultural programme of dance, music, circus, cabaret, cinema and games. Located in the renovated historic building behind Théâtre du Parc, it hosts evening events staged by various cultural institutions in the capital to show off the diversity of arts while also promoting rising talents. Among the opening events are emerging music from Fifty Session, acoustic sounds, a movie night, dance and performance, plus Sunday games. 11 June to 13 July, Thurs-Sun, Vaux-Hall, Rue de la Loi 3, Brussels Park
Book now: Brussels Renaissance Festival. The highlight of the capital’s celebration of its medieval history is undoubtedly the Ommegang. This re-enactment of Charles V’s entry into Brussels in 1549, complete with 1,400 costumed performers and of course the emperor himself. Join the throngs for the procession or book a seat in the grandstands in the Grand Place for the big performance. As dark descends the medieval square is transformed into a dazzling and colourful stage for the spectacular show. 2 & 4 July 21.00, Grand Place
OUTSIDE BRUSSELS
A jewel of a chamber music festival, the Resonances Festival gathers talented international musicians to rehearse at the gorgeous Château de Halloy before staging intimate performances of chamber music in the 12th-century manor’s former stables. Masterclasses, concerts and a dinner with the musicians are included in the programme. The manor’s bar and restaurant are open after every performance. Until 9 June, Château de Halloy, Route du Chateau de Halloy, Ciney (Namur province)
The colourful and exuberant costumes of Venice make their annual appearance at Annevoie Gardens this weekend. The display takes the form of daily parades of some 100 costumes as well as shows by local flag bearers. Meanwhile, the renovated 18th-century gardens with their landscaped water features provide a perfect backdrop for the event. 7-9 June, Rue des Jardins 37a, Annevoie (Namur province)
The 600th anniversary of the University of Louvain (UCLouvain) is celebrated in the exhibition Happy U at Musée L. Two temporary shows and a refurbished space in the university museum include an interactive and highly-accessible reflection on the achievements of one of the world’s oldest universities while also interrogating its future role. A focus on scientific research is particularly enlightening and the interior of this emblematic Brutalist architectural building is a revelation. Until 22 February, Place des Sciences 3, Louvain-la-Neuve (Walloon Brabant)
It’s the final weekend of Leuven’s fascinating free promenade tour of sound art installations Hear Here. Paying tribute to the 600th anniversary of KU Leuven, the highly accessible triennial event combines heritage, tourism and culture. The trail around the city centre includes locations all connected to the university. Guided tours are also an option. Pick up a map at the Stuk arts centre, the starting point for the activity. Until 9 June, Stuk, Naamsestraat 96, Leuven
Book now: Brel. Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker of legendary Belgian contemporary dance company Rosas creates and dances a duet with rising talent Solal Mariotte. This new work explores the challenges of choreographing the songs of iconic Belgian singer Jacques Brel. 18-20 June 20.00, Concertgebouw, ‘t Zand 34, Bruges
Discover more upcoming events at The Bulletin's events page.
Photos: (main image) Design Museum/Baucher-Ferron; ©Atelier Boch-Keramis, Charles Catteau, KBF/Claire De Pauw and Marcel Stal; Scottish salon ©Adornesdomain; Happy U ©Musee L/A Delsoir; Anouk Kellner - Airchoir No. 2- Dirges for Coded Organ Voices ©Staf Smets; Brel Anne van Aerschot