Every country taking the helm of the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU seeks to celebrate its heritage through a slew of cultural events held in Brussels.
Until December 31st, that country is Spain — and it's offering people in Belgium a corresponding cultural programme, drawn up in keeping with a singular theme their office is calling "A Closer Europe."
The Cultural Department of the Spanish Embassy in Belgium, along with the Cervantes Institute in Brussels, have organized roughly 50 events taking place here throughout the Autumn.
Here are a few of our favorites.
Letters to Heaven
Citizens' Garden of the European Parliament, Rue Vautier 68
Until 31 December 2023
Right behind the European Parliament’s Brussels building, a “participatory sculpture” exhibit invites visitors into a moment of reflection.
Something Sacred
Mons Historical Center
Until 8 October 2023
The city of Mons, a short train ride outside of Brussels, will be hosting works by renowned Spanish sculptor Jaume Plensa. As its Museum of Fine Arts undergoes renovations, the works will be displayed outside, guiding visitors on a walk through its historical center.
Jazz for Everyone
14 September 2023, 19:00
Liszt Institute Brussels Rue Treurenberg 10
Together with Belgium and Hungary, the two countries that will hold the Council presidency next year, Spain is holding a jazz concert at the Hungarian cultural center in Brussels, in a show of European unity.
Stay Human
15 September 2023 – 14 February 2024
Migration Museum, Brussels , Rue des Ateliers 17
Spanish artist Gonzalo Orquín will be opening the exhibit “Stay Human” on the treatment of migrants in Europe. The series of portraits hopes to get visitors thinking about what being European – and being human – means to them.
The practice of Art
14 September 2023 – 7 January 2024
Bozar Center for Fine Arts, Brussels, Rue Ravenstein 23
A retrospective of the work of artist Antoni Tàpies will be opening in September, marking the centenary of the artist’s birth. It will be the first exhibition in Belgium to showcase “a complete view” of his work, according to the Bozar, featuring 122 pieces reunited for the first time in decades.