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7 DAYS IN BELGIUM

The week in Belgium from 5 to 11 July

An exhibition transforming a former military base, open air film festivals and concerts – summer is here! See you there

Summer exhibition: Flying on the raven’s wing

From 11 July to 5 September Vilvoorde

ASIAT, a decaying former military base in Vilvoorde, is being transformed into a unique culture hotspot this summer by music and arts festival Horst. While the three-day music bash will take place in September, the abandoned site is already well worth a visit now for a captivating cross-disciplinary exhibition curated by Evelyn Simons. “Flying on the raven’s wing” celebrates the raw fleshiness of the human body, after a year that had most of us hiding behind screens. Almost all artworks are site-specific commissions, breathing new life into the crumbling architecture that surrounds them with audiovisual interventions, sculptures, and more. With Aline Bouvy (BE), Daan Gielis (BE), Leopold Banchini (CH), Rotor (BE), Sonia Gomes (BR), Rashid Johnson (US), Tarek Lakhrissi (FR), Grace Ndiritu (UK/KE) and Marinella Senatore (IT). A must-see!

Festival: Brosella XXS at Théâtre de Verdure

From 9 to 11 July Brussels

Brosella, a project dedicated to folk and jazz music, organizes different events throughout the year. This weekend, they’re hosting a small, pandemic-safe and family-friendly festival at Théâtre de Verdure (a beautiful open air theatre) featuring 14 bands, food stands, and activities for kids. Taking the stage will be The Brussels Balkan Orchestra, the Alexandre Cavalière Quintet, and many others.

Opening: Jardins du Grand Hospice

From 9 to 11 July Brussels

The gardens of the so-called former Grand Hospice, two stunning green courtyard spaces surrounded by beautiful architecture, will be open to the public for the very first time this weekend. Behind it all is Pali Pali, who already transformed the former military barracks in Etterbeek into a vibrant cultural hub (See U). On the program of the opening weekend are concerts, activities for kids, food and drinks.

WunderSundays at Museum Dhondt-Dhaenens

Sunday, 11 July Deurle

While the main museum spaces are closed for renovation, MDD is worth a visit nonetheless: Every Sunday you can discover the Wunderkammer, an immersive sculpture by renowned Belgian artist Hans Op de Beeck. It hosts a cabinet of curiosities as well as the library of curator Jan Hoet. And when you’re done browsing through the books, sculptures by Isa Genzken, Gary Hume and Atelier Van Lieshout await outside in the museum’s garden.

Film festival: L’heure d’été

Until 12 August Brussels

This summer sees the 10th edition of L’heure d’été, Brussels’ annual open air film festival. This time, all screenings are completely free, and take place in different magical outdoor locations around the city, from the Vaux-Hall in Parc Royal to the woods of Bois de la Cambre or the temporary pool installed by citizen initiative Pool is Cool. On the program: Moonrise Kingdom, Where The Wild Things Are, Sweet Bean, and many others.

Cover photo Sasha Vernaeve

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