Brussels: An Eclectic Cultural Getaway
Culture
Brussels has an international reputation as a city that can satisfy every cultural appetite. Alongside traditional and classical arts institutions, Brussels has an eclectic, cutting edge cultural identity that is expressed through the diversity of its museums, galleries and installations. Take a day or two to discover some of Europe’s most innovative arts centers.
Read on for suggested activities...
Morning
Situated on the northern outskirts of Brussels, easily accessible from Brussels Central via the 1A metro, the Atomium is a Brussels landmark. Designed by engineer André Waterkeyn for the 1958 International Exhibition, the Atomium is a sculptural and architectural masterpiece made up of nine steel-clad, aluminum giant spheres joined by tubes. The structure stands over 300 feet high on three enormous bipods and visitors can enter five of the spheres that house various permanent and temporary exhibitions, including one dedicated to the 1950s.
Afternoon
Bozar is Brussels' Center of Fine Arts, encompassing music, exhibitions, cinema, theatre, dance, literature and architecture. The building, by acclaimed architect Victor Horta, is eight floors of concert halls and exhibition spaces created in one harmonious Art Deco design. There are always several world class exhibitions on display, covering contemporary and classical art, history, photography, social issues and international cultures.
Lovers of pop culture will adore The Plasticarium, a totally unique museum of plastic. Located in an Art Deco converted Mormon church, it contains an anthology of colorful objects and furniture from the golden age of molded plastic -- the 1960’s to the present.
Evening
Bains Collective is an arts laboratory in a former public swimming pool that hosts film and arts evenings and a monthly tango night where you can dance in empty pool’s deep end. Stop by and check out their latest installations, films or musical performances for an opportunity to interact with Brussels’ arts community.
After a fully day of cultural immersion, spend the night at the three-star Hotel Alma, a minimalist retro-chic property in a renovated Art Nouveau building just off the Grand Place, in a street lined with bars, boutiques and bistros.
Details:
The Atomium
Atomium square
B-1020. Brussels (Laken)
-Tel. +32/2-475-4775
-Open daily 10am to 6pm
-From Brussels Central train station, take Metro line 1A "Roi Baudouin" to "Heysel"
-Entry: Adults €7, Students €6, Children under 12 Free
Bozar
-Centre for Fine Arts
Rue Ravensteinstraat 23,
1000, Brussels
-Tel. +32/2-507-8200
-Open 9am to 6pm daily
-Some exhibitions are free, while others range in price -- usually under €10
-Guided tours available for €60 plus the cost of the exhibition ticket
The Plasticarium
-Locquenghien street, 35
1000 Brussels
-Visits arranged by request: contact Philippe Decelle
-Tel: +32/2-344-9821
-Metro Station: St-Catherine
Bains Collective
-Rue Berthelotstraat 34
1190 Vorst|Forest, Brussels
-Tel. +32/2-534-4855
Hotel Alma
-42-44 rue des Eperonniers,
Spoormakersstraat, 1000 Brussels
-Tel. +32/2-502-2828
-Double rooms from €94 including taxes and buffet breakfast
The Brussels Card gives visitors 24 hour access to 23 museums in and around Brussels, free admission for exhibitions at the Palace of Fine Arts -- Bozar, 33% discount on admission to the Atomium, free public transport, and up to 25 % discount on other attractions, shops, bars and restaurants. €19 for 24 hours, €27 for48 hours. Available online at the e-shop at www.brusselsinternational.be or at Brussels’ Midi Train Station
Journey Time: 1hr 22
Frequency: 22
Departure Station: Paris Nord
Arrival Station: Bruxelles Midi
Prices From: 84 (Economy) to 404 (Premier / Comfort Flexi)
(prices subject to change)
Uselful Links:
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