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Brussels Expo

3 industries, 2 trades, 4 locations.

The Brussels Expo Group consists of several subsidiaries allowing the group to diversify its activities between three industries (Fairs and Exhibitions, MICE and Leisure) and two business lines (Venue Management and Organisation). The Brussels Expo vzw, created after the World Expo of 1935, is the cornerstone of the group. Its objective is to provide a place for meetings and activities of an economic, commercial, industrial, scientific, cultural and leisure nature. Brussels Expo is the Belgian market leader in terms of exhibition space...

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Art Brussels 2024 returns to Brussels Expo

Art Brussels is delighted to announce its milestone 40th edition which will take place until Sunday in halls 5 and 6 of Brussels Expo.

Since its start back in 1968, Art Brussels has remained at the forefront of the contemporary art scene, showcasing established artists, fostering emerging talents, and facilitating dynamic exchanges between artists, collectors, gallerists, and art enthusiasts.

Over the years the fair has earned a global reputation for its commitment to presenting cutting-edge contemporary art in diverse forms, from painting and sculpture to photography, installation, and new media.

The forthcoming edition of Art Brussels 2024 will have a selection of 178 galleries from 30 countries each bringing their unique artistic perspectives and contributions with a focus on innovation, diversity and inclusivity. The fair will present a curated programme of galleries divided into 5 sections, special artistic projects, and an outdoor sculpture exhibition, offering visitors an immersive experience of today's art scene.

Also this year, Art Brussels is delighted to announce the continued support of the two main partners, Delen Private Bank and Bank Van Breda.

The fair is also pleased to announce the support of Philippe Close, the city’s mayor, on behalf of the City of Brussels, who will be providing a new outdoor sculpture project, which is being organised by Art Brussels for the first time.

Abdul Abdullah, The wind at your back, 2023 - Ames Yavuz

“Turning 40 is an important milestone in a person’s lifetime, and it holds equal significance for Art Brussels as it celebrates end of April its 40th edition. The moment invites reflection on past achievements while igniting aspirations for the future"

"Art Brussels is the most important yearly momentum to honouring the contemporary art scene in the BENELUX. Looking ahead, we are committed to stay a welcoming, friendly and personal fair with multiple elements of surprise and novelties, ensuring that Art Brussels remains a priority on the international agenda for art lovers across Europe.”

Nele Verhaeren, Managing Director of Art Brussels

Adam Himebauch, Escaping from Greece, 2023 - Ceysson & Bénétière

Art Brussels 2024 selected galleries in numbers

• 178 galleries from 30 countries in 4 sections and 1 sub-section
• 37 in DISCOVERY
• 120 in PRIME
• 11 in REDISCOVERY
• 27 SOLO presentations
• 60.6% are returning galleries
• 25% dedicated to young upcoming contemporary
• 30 different countries
• 90% (159 galleries) of the galleries are from Europe with 25% from Belgium (46 galleries)
• 10% of these European galleries have an additional location outside of Europe


About the represented artists

• More or less 800 artists are presented at the fair
• 95% are living artists
• 32% of the represented artists are under 40 years old
• 36% of the represented artists are women
• In the DISCOVERY section: 72 artists & 28 are female

Art Brussels 2024 will take place at Brussels Expo to Sunday 28 April.

​​ For the latest information and programming check the website here.

Copyright © 2024 The Brussels Times. All Rights Reserved.

The exhibition

The experience.brussels exhibition can be found in the heart of Brussels, at the Place Royale. It is a perfect place to start your (re)discovery of Brussels. Only accessible for school groups by reservation.

Fall in love with this unique city

This exhibition allows you to experience Brussels in an entirely new and different way. You will discover the city’s most famous places, the little-known gems and the secret spots through the eyes of the city’s greatest asset: the people who live, work, come together and shine in the heart of Europe.

What is Brussels' greatest symbol? A giant atom? A little boy peeing? A lavishly ornamented square? Rainy weather? A portion of Belgian chips? At experience.brussels you will discover the real Brussels, in all its diverse, sometimes complex but always stunning beauty.

Brussels like you’ve never seen it before

The exhibition presents you with a different and personal overview of Brussels. Turn the pages of our giant book to discover the major moments of Brussels' history; take part in our interactive quiz and test your knowledge of the European Union; or learn to speak a word or two in the old Brussels dialect!

Meet the genuine Brussels locals, colourful and charming characters, who will tell you their story, the anecdotes about their lives in the capital. Our incredible interactive model allows you to have all four corners of the Brussels-Capital Region at your fingertips: its 19 communes and its interconnected neighbourhoods will amaze you. Expand your appreciation for how this multi-faceted capital works and houses 5 parliaments. And do not leave without your own personalised post card!

Did you ever ask yourself how Brussels would look like from above?

You’ll marvel at our impressive 3D model of the Brussels-Capital region (scale 1:1.500). With this interactive model, Brussels is literally at your fingertips: its geography, its most famous buildings, its tram lines, its metro and train networks, its green spaces, and its 19 communes. Furthermore, you can watch a short film (20 minutes) that shows the stunning history of Brussels. The numerous projections beamed directly onto the model will help you understand its development at every stage of its history.

Photo booth: send a souvenir of your visit to those at home!

Strike a pose in front of our green key and transport yourself to all four corners of the Brussels-Capital Region: stand on top of Town Hall, pop into the European Parliament, kiss a Smurf, visit a contemporary art exhibition, go for a stroll in the king's private gardens, blend into a crowd of Mannekens Pis, juggle with one of the Atomium's spheres or take a selfie on the mainstage of the Brussels Summer Festival! A keen social media user?  Share your fantastic photos as animated GIFs  on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+... Do you prefer the mailman?  Print your pictures as personalised postcards  in a matter of seconds!

Fun group activities

The experience.brussels exhibition, a fun and interactive discovery, will fascinate young and old of all backgrounds, thanks to its stunning scenography and its original content. You will be welcomed by an enthusiastic team that offers you activities (booklets, board games and quiz) specially designed for children and teenagers that fit perfectly with specific subjects and classes.

Are you an "Echte Brusseleir"?

• 5>7 years old

Discover Brussels, its specialities and its history, through observation, drawing and colouring

1h | max. 30 participants | Only available in French and Dutch

This game is meant for your little ones and relies on observation and drawing. Using this approach, the children can recreate a new metro station, find objects that belonged to Edith Cavell, dress up King Leopold, reinvent the European flag and give magical powers to the people exhibited in the life-size photographs! At the end of their visit, they will have discovered some of the aspects that make Brussels such a fascinating city!

This activity allows younger visitors (5 to 7 years old) to discover Brussels by using their imagination and creativity.

This game compliments lessons on:

• Studies about our environment (society, citizenship)
• Artistic development

Around the World in 19 Communes

• 8 > 12 years old 

An interactive activity that presents the Brussels-Capital Region, and the diversity of its inhabitants. 1h30 | max. 30 participants | Available in French, Dutch and English

Set off to encounter a multitude of cultures that make up the giant mosaic that is Brussels: 184 nationalities – from near and far – living together and sharing customs and traditions… you can almost travel around the world without ever leaving Brussels! This activity will help the kids learn a whole host of interesting things about the people that make Brussels a truly multicultural region.

Every child receives a booklet in the shape of a suitcase. Armed with their luggage, they set off to meet the inhabitants of Brussels by taking on several challenges. Each challenge lets them collect globe-trotter stickers and find the code they need to unlock their padlock!

This game lets children develop their general knowledge and offers them a better understanding of the diversity found within the region's neighbourhoods.

The Explorer

•   8>12 years old

An expedition that is full of surprises and reveals the unexpected sides of our region: its fauna and flora, its hills, waterways and streams, its inhabitants and its legends. 2h00 | max. 30 participants | Available in French, Dutch and English

After this exploration that lasts just under two hours, your little budding explorers will know everything there is to know about Brussels. Armed with their booklet, they will have fun discovering the geography of Brussels, learning about the inhabitants and birds that can be found in the region, and also exploring the European Union in Brussels. They will (re)familiarise themselves with the region's history and legends and the etymology of certain places. This activity alternates cleverly between moments of play, drawing, searching for information and crafts.

This pedagogical way of visiting the experience.brussels exhibition allows participants to improve their general knowledge, along with their reading and observational skills. It also lets them discover Brussels differently and develop their teamwork skills and their ability to search for information.

• Teenagers & groups of adults

A booklet offering various activities in a modern and interactive exhibition 1h | max. 50 participants | Available in French, Dutch and English

The eB! Quiz deals with various fascinating subjects. At the heart of a challenging interactive exhibition, it can sometimes be difficult to choose the right information. This booklet was specially conceived to travel from room to room, following a route paved with questions, challenges and games. To answer the questions, no previous knowledge is required, all you need is a keen eye. Geography, history, the environment and Brussels’ institutions, as well as its status as capital of Europe are revealed bit by bit. Every room is designed to be original and fun, helping you to learn while you enjoy yourself!

This pedagocical way of visiting experience.brussels helps participants to hone their general knowledge, reading and observation skills. It also lets them discover Brussels differently, while teaching them how to search for information and answers.

This activity fits perfectly with the following subjects or classes:

• Environmental studies (history, geography, citizenship)
• Languages (from level B1; available in French Dutch and English)

Board games

Eb challenge.

A fierce team game that is fun and educational, based on research and observation 1h | min. 6; max. 24 participants | Available in French, Dutch and English

The eB! Challenge board is made up of concentric circles and the aim is to get to the central disc. To do so, participants split into small teams, and take on a series of challenges. They travel through the various rooms, taking up progressively harder challenges that will put their observation and teamwork skills to the test. The missions let them discover all aspects of Brussels. Each challenge they overcome brings them closer to the final test, but they need to be careful not to get trapped by another team!

Combining suspense and learning, this game helps teens hone their general knowledge as well as their reading, observation, teamwork and research skills.

eB! Pursuit

•  8>12 years old & groups of adults

A captivating, fun and educational team game based on research and observation 1h30 | min. 6; max. 24 participants | Available in French, Dutch and English

The eB! Pursuit game implicates the entire exhibition. Participants, split into small teams, travel through the different rooms. Searching for the answer to a question given to them on a card by the game organiser, their observational skills and ability to work as a team will be put to the test. The questions will help them to discover Brussels and its special charms. For each correct answer, players will be rewarded with a sticker to add to their game card. At the end of the game, participants will have completed their card and actively discovered every corner of the exhibition.

This game helps to develop the children's general knowledge as well as reading ability, observational and research skills and their ability to work as a team.

Are you looking for somewhere to enjoy your lunch?

Our "Agora" picnic space is at your disposal (booking required), for free. In this room, you can enjoy your own packed lunch in peace with a sensational view on the Place Royale! Would you like to book? Simply tick the option when you fill in your form to book a visit.

Prepare your visit

Whether you are only here for a few days or you were born and raised in Brussels: this city's great atmosphere will amaze you and you will be stunned by how much Brussels has to offer. The experience.brussels exhibition offers a great educational experience for classmates who want to learn more about Brussels.

Reserve your visit

A visit of the exhibition is only possible for groups of minimum 6 people.

Reservations can be made by mail or by calling +32(0)2 563 61 11 .

Basic rate for a group visit

€50 per time slot

Annual package* for 10 visits

€300 excl. VAT included

Annual package* for 20 visits

€400 excl. VAT included

Annual package* for 30 visits

€500 excl. VAT included

*  Includes the entry and  activities  for the children/students and their accompanying adults, during normal opening hours, depending on our availability. Booking still required, only valid for the ongoing calendar year.

Contact details & opening hours

Address Rue Royale 4, 1000 Brussels

Contact us T.: +32 (0)2 563 61 11 or info@experience.brussels

Opening hours Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:00 to 17:00 Closed on bank holidays and during school holidays (FR and NL) 

Accessibility

How to get to experience.brussels? 

Train:  Bruxelles-Central / Brussel-Centraal station (10 min walk) or Bruxelles-Luxembourg / Brussel-Luxemburg station (15 min walk) Metro:  1, 2, 5, 6; Gare Centrale / Centraal Station, Parc / Park, Trône / Troon, Porte de Namur / Naamsepoort (all less than 10 min) Tram:  92 and 93. Get off at the stop PALAIS / PALEIZEN  Bus:  33, 38, 71, and 95. Get off at the stop ROYALE / KONING Parking:  place des Palais, Grand Sablon, parking Albertine (on rue des Sols) and rue Ducale.

Persons with reduced mobility

Permanent and temporary exhibitions are accessible to persons with reduced mobility. They will find a suitable entrance at 6 rue Royale Tickets for persons with reduced mobility include a ticket for accompanying adults.

Our building, an 18th century gem

The BIP or “House of the Region”, is a neoclassical building and one of few last traces of French occupation in the country.  This location was home to a princely home from as early as the 11 th  century. In the 18 th  century, an immense fire destroyed the Coudenberg Palace, which gave the square the name “Cour brulée” (burned square), and as such no renovation works were carried out.

When it was finally reconstructed, thanks to several financing arrangements, the courtyard was turned into 8 residences. The new Place Royale also became a public square. At the beginning of the 20th century, there was one final wave of architectural changes made, transforming the building into a Lloyds bank, then a café and then a bookshop. Today, the two remaining residences belong to the Brussels-Capital Region. The headquarters of the Brussels regional government is housed in one, with the other occupied by, among others, the Tourism office and experience.brussels. The building’s use as a bank is still evident, with the monumental marble and panelling, and the “Salle des Guichets” (counter room) which has kept its name to this day.

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26 JAN UARY – 2 FEB RUARY 2025

BRUSSELS EXPO | HEYSEL

practical information

dates and opening hours

Exclusive Saturday

Saturday 25 January 2025 11am – 7pm

Public days

Sunday 26 January 2025 11am - 7pm

Monday 27 January 2025 11am - 7pm

Tuesday 28 January 2025 11am - 7pm

Wednesday 29 January 2025 11am - 7pm

Thursday 30 January 2025 11am - 10pm

Friday 31 January 2025 11am - 7pm

Saturday 1 February 2025 11am - 7pm

Sunday 2 February 2025 11am - 7pm

entrance fees

Exclusive Saturday €110

Standard ticket €25

16-26 years old €10

< 16 years old free

Buy online or at the fair

Catalogue* €20

Combined tickets*

1 entry + 1 catalogue €35

2 entries + 1 catalogue €60

*Only available at the fair Payment by cards only

Brussels Expo, Halls 3 & 4

Belgian rail – SNCB/NMBS

Plan your journey and check the schedules: www.stib-mivb.be

Parkings, Concierge, restaurants, champagne bars, cloakroom, special access for people with reduced mobility

We would like to make your visit to BRAFA an unforgettable experience. Whether you are looking for a restaurant, a hotel, an exhibition or a concert, a florist, a chocolatier, a chauffeur or to arrange a transfer, BRAFA offers a concierge service, handled by Hôtel Le Plaza, for the duration of the fair. The concierge desk is located to the right of the entrance of the fair in Hall 4. For any specific information or service before the start of BRAFA, please contact Patricia Simonart: [email protected] • t +32 (0)2 513 48 31

SECURITY RULES

- Pets, cameras, backpacks and large bags, umbrellas and works of art for appraisal will not be admitted to the fair. - It is not permitted to photograph or film the works of art or to use a tripod without prior permission from the gallery or the press office. - Security personnel reserve the right to inspect all bags, as well as the visitors themselves.

BRAFA ART TOURS

Supported by Hiscox

Public guided tours in EN, FR, NL: daily at 3pm. Free of charge but mandatory registration required.

Private guided tours are available in ENG, FR, NL and other languages on demand. For prices and bookings, please contact Patricia Simonart: [email protected] • t +32 (0)2 513 48 31

BRAFA ART TALKS

Daily at 4pm on the King Baudouin Foundation booth. Free entry once inside the fair. Curators, experts, journalists and other well-known figures of the Belgian and international art world give inspiring lectures on various subjects related to art.

25 – 28 April 2024 Brussels Expo

Visit the fair!

Join us at the contemporary art fair Art Brussels in April, which celebrates its 40th edition this year! More than 175 international galleries, artistic projects as well as an outdoor sculpture parcours are to be discovered on site.

Participating Galleries

Art Brussels presents a strong and international line up and a unique mix of established artists and emerging talent. 

Visitor info

Find the address and opening hours of the fair as well as more information on public transport, cloakrooms, parking, etc.  

Artistic projects

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Join the vibrant Belgian contemporary art fair Art Brussels in April, where more than 175 leading galleries present their artists and more than 26.000 visitors gather at the iconic Brussels Expo.

Standard ticket.

• Valid for a single entrance on Public Days
• Friday 26 to Sunday 28 April
• The price will be 28€ during the fair & on site
• Valid for 1 person for a single access on two different days
• The price will be 38€ during the fair & on site

Ticket 16 – 26 years old

• Valid for 1 entrance on Public Days
• Only for people from the age of 16 to 26 years old

Friday Free Student Ticket

• Only available on Friday 26 April
• Valid for 1 entrance
• Mandatory presentation of a student card at the entrance

Opening Day Ticket

• Valid for 1 person
• Unlimited access during the 4 days
• Thursday 25 to Sunday 28 April

Opening Day - 2 Persons Ticket

• Valid for 2 persons

For any issue or question related to ticketing purchase or registering, contact us Do I need to buy a ticket for my child? Free entrance for children under 16 years old. Can I buy my ticket on-site? Yes but please note that there will be no cash payment on-site. Can I bring my pet to Art Brussels? Animals (except for guide dogs) are strictly forbidden on the fair grounds. Is there any discount for seniors, disabled people and Museumpass? No, there is only a special offer for students. Do you partner with Article 27? Yes the entrance is free for the members of Article 27 during the public days. How do I get to Art Brussels? More info on transportation and parking here.

Art Brussels

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IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

Immersive experience immersive experience.

About Planet Happiness

Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for take off to Planet Happiness! A brand-new immersive exhibition where curiosity knows no boundaries and the limits of your imagination are pushed to infinity and beyond.

Embark on an exploration of happiness and unleash your inner astronaut in a cosmic adventure with AI, augmented reality, and 360° immersion. An astronomical fusion of science and art where the wonders of space become the canvas for your wildest imagination.

Certified by ESA & EUMETSAT

60 minutes getaway to space

Family-friendly activity for all ages

Interactive experience with ai, ar and 360° immersion.

By the creators of Happiness, Meet The Masters & Beyond Bruegel

Immersive Experience by Studio Irma

Contemporary Dutch artist Studio Irma (Irma de Vries) creates digital experiential art and installations that attract hundreds of thousands of visitors all over the world. For more than 20 years, De Vries, whose work is currently also on display at the Moco Museum in Amsterdam and Barcelona, has been experimenting with digital technology, computer animation, video mapping, augmented reality and smart light projection.

Studio Irma is a revolutionary dreamer who engages digital technologies to connect humanity. Through space, color, sound, movement and you – the active participant, Studio Irma invites you to take a step into a world of endless possibilities.

We have a lift-off

Discover Planet Happiness at Plein Publiek BXL, located at the foot of the Mont des Arts in Brussels!

Planet Happiness is an initiative of Beyond.Culture, the creators of the successful immersive exhibitions Happiness, Meet The Masters and Beyond Bruegel, in collaboration with Studio Irma.

Approved by experts

Frank De Winne

ESA Astronaut

With over 200 days logged in space, Frank De Winne is a seasoned space explorer renowned for his pioneering work aboard the International Space Station (ISS). In 2012, the Belgian astronaut became head of the European Astronaut Centre, further solidifying his legacy in space exploration at the heart of ESA's astronaut corps, dedicated to astronaut selection, training, and support.

Nancy Vermeulen

Space Ambassador

From an early age, Nancy Vermeulen has been intrigued by space. After a master's degree in physics and astronomy, she obtained a license as an airline pilot. Nevertheless, her ultimate aspiration extended far beyond the atmosphere - leading her to participating in the ESA astronaut selections in 2008 and founding the Space Training Academy, dedicated to training aspiring astronauts and suborbital scientists for their first journey into space.

Conny Aerts

Professor of Asteroseismology

Conny Aerts is a ground-breaking astrophysicist associated with KU Leuven and Radboud University Nijmegen, where she leads the Chair in Asteroseismology. Aerts is specialized in measuring starquakes and her leading research covers various aspects of stellar astrophysics, which has been globally recognized with several prestigious scientific awards, including the 2022 Kavli Prize in Astrophysics.

Elisabeth Lucie Baeten

Elisabeth Lucie Baeten is a sensational (screen)writer, actress and online media phenomenon. In 2023, she took over the internet with her razor-sharp satirical videos, embodying characters Katrien from Political PR and Julie from Showbizz PR. Off-screen she’s making waves with insightful columns and bestseller books. A match forged in the cosmos, if you'd ask us!

Mental Health Ambassador

As co-founder of Onbespreekbaar, Jef Willem strives to create a world where mental health is openly discussed. The Onbespreekbaar platform reaches millions of people through podcasts, social media & workshops. Where barriers fall away, space is created for a society that finds strength in vulnerability. Jef strives to inspire many through sincere & accessible communication.