Art Nouveau houses are one of the architectural emblems of Brussels. Take a private tour of the Solvay family mansion, the former home and studio of the prestigious architect Victor Horta, and the Hôtel Frison, a living museum restored thanks to an Indian princess. Brussels, the birthplace of Art Nouveau, bears witness to this aesthetic revolution with its hundreds of facades adorned with curved lines, plant motifs and modern materials. This year, Style celebrates its 124th anniversary!

The flagship of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, the Magritte Museum opens its doors to you for an exclusive look at the world of Belgian surrealism. Home to the world’s largest collection of the artist’s work, the museum gives visitors the chance to discover René Magritte‘s surrealist canvases, which began in 1926. The museum recently underwent a facelift, and Magritte lovers can now admire 29 new works.

Brussels’ artistic scene also resonates to the rhythm of the greatest performers. In November 2024, BOZAR, the temple to music and the visual arts designed by Victor Horta, will have the privilege of welcoming the remarkable Cecilia Bartoli in the role of Orfeo, accompanied by the musicians of Prince Monaco. The Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels stands out for its originality and commitment, offering a complete artistic experience through a rich programme of exceptional quality.

Tuesday 5 November, 2024

At 7pm at the Salle Henry Le Bœuf,

Gluck: Orfeo ed Euridice

Il Canto di Orfeo vocal ensemble

Les Musiciens du Prince – Monaco

Gianluca Capuano: conductor
Cecilia Bartoli: Orfeo
Mélissa Petit: Euridice, Amore

The tragic love story of Orpheus and Euridyce has inspired countless composers from the earliest days of opera: Peri, Caccini and, of course, Monteverdi with his masterly L’Orfeo. Gluck‘s Orfeo ed Euridice is another milestone in the history of music. The composer resolutely opted to simplify the action and the music, thereby exposing Orpheus’ pain all the more. The unfortunate Orpheus descends into the underworld, turns round and sees his beloved disappear. The intervention of the god of love Amore brings about a lieto fine – a happy ending: the two lovers return to the surface. The incomparable Cecilia Bartoli returns to Bozar to give an unforgettable performance as Orfeo. Who better than this great voice to interpret the mythical progenitor of music?

An experience with medieval musical masters? The Royal Library of Belgium will be reopening at the end of this year with a new musical experience. Take a sneak preview of the collections of the Duchy of Burgundy. The Library of the Dukes of Burgundy was renowned as one of the finest manuscript collections of its time. Discover these illuminated documents, medieval paintings, sculptures and jewellery, and immerse yourself in the musical life of the period.

Winter Wonders, the famous Christmas market, will transform the centre of the Belgian capital into a veritable winter wonderland. The event will take place from 29 November 2024 to 5 January 2025.