Belgium's iconic Grand Place stands as a testament to the city's glorious cultural and economic legacy. Recognized as one of the most splendid market squares in Europe, its arcade is completely enclosed by tall, gabled Flemish Renaissance buildings decorated with intricate ornamentation and carved statues. Of the buildings that surround the square, the Town Hall with its Brabantine Gothic tower and the Neo-Gothic Brussels City Museum are especially remarkable. Impressive as it is by day, the square is even more stunning at night under the golden glow of street lights. During spring and summer evenings there is a light show that brings to life the city's musical and cultural heritage.
This old theater housed in what was once the guildhall of local market vendors is located near the stock exchange. After WWII, the building was renovated and eventually turned into a modern, soundproof concert hall. Its famous performers have included The Clash, The Cure, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Lou Reed, among others. Every year dozens of concerts take place in the AB, as the hall is locally known.
Built in 1929 in an art deco style for the Dutch banker and art collector David Van Buuren, this beautiful mansion was turned into a museum in 1973 featuring fine tapestries, blown glass and paintings by modern and classic masters. The most famous are Breughel's The Fall of Icarus and works by Ensor and Van Gogh. Contemporary sculpture exhibitions are organized in the garden.
Brussels Town Hall is an intricate Gothic marvel that forms the focal point of Brussels' iconic Grand Place and is easily one of the city's most lavish civic buildings. The Town Hall was chiefly designed by two architects: the left wing by Jacques van Thienen in 1402, and the right wing by Jean van Ruysbroeck in 1445-1450. The two rear wings were added much later in 1712 but were designed in harmony with the architectural style of the original, L-shaped building. The exterior walls of the Town Hall feature numerous statues that depict saints, nobles, and other figures, each a vivid image of the people they represent. Uniting these efforts is the striking and exquisite Gothic tower at the center topped by a statue of St. Michael, the patron saint of Brussels. Inside, the elegant rooms are decorated with tapestries and paintings from the 16th, 17th and 18th Centuries. Brussels Town Hall is an arresting sight, especially when lit up at night.
Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudulal is the location for Belgium's royal weddings and funerals. It started its construction in the 13th-century and it was completed two centuries later. Various chapels were added during the 16th and 17th centuries. A striking figure of precision and symmetry, the cathedral serves as a monumental example of Brabant-Gothic architecture. Outside, two awe-inspiring towers attract attention and it is hard not to admire the intricate stained-glass windows. The remnants of the 10th-century Romanesque church, on top of which the cathedral was built, evoke considerable awe as well. Concerts featuring religious or classical music are also regularly held here.
Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique (Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium) is the largest museum complex in Belgium, and houses an array of museums including the Magritte Museum and the Museum of Modern Art. Located in the heart of Brussels, this museum has a rich collection of 15th-century fine art and artifacts, as well as modern artwork. Its prized possessions include a collection of magnificent paintings and sculptures, along with a plethora of documents and drawings. The museum offers guided tours and special packages for students.
Since 1991, this Comic Strip Route has been organized by the Belgian Center for Comics. It is a long city walk leading past 22 facades and city walls that were decorated by leading Belgian comic artists. Along this interesting route you will easily learn that there is more to Belgian comics than just Tintin. There is no Tintin wall or façade in Brussels, but Hergé (creator of this intrepid journalist) did contribute a gigantic painting of Quick et Flupke, two of his other heroes, in Rue Haute. You go on this walk unguided; the Center just provides you with a detailed city map. You will also find this map at Tourist Offices and elsewhere. Stops are also scheduled in a few bars (with the appropriate decoration) and shops.
Iteco is a center dedicated to development of countries and intercultural training. This may sound a bit heavy-handed, but in Brussels, these people have specialized in the organization of "colored walks" through town, which try to show you the Turkish or Morrocan Brussels from the inside.
This church, aside from being a shining beacon of religiosity, also hosts a host of concert event throughout the year. From famous baritones to renowned conductors, the finest performers make this their stop when in Brussels.
The WIK Cultuurhal,an integral part of the WIK fanfare provides a lucrative outlet to budding and established musicians. Being inclined particularly to musical theater, the Cultuurhal also houses a rehearsal room, restaurant and cafeteria to provide their visitors an extra edge. For further details on any of WIK's ongoing events, do visit their website or call ahead.
The Zuidwestbrabants archeology museum is housed inside a former Jesuit College belonging to the 17th Century. The museum comprises of various collections that are displayed from time to time through permanent and temporary exhibitions. Here, you can find the artifacts belonging to the Middle Paleolithic time, historic documents of the middle ages comprising of folklore and archival materials. The Servais Collection is a tribute to the cultural and musical life of the 19th Century with works of Halle cellist Adrien François Servais and his family prominently displayed. Photographs, documents, literature, archives and CDs form a major part of collections in this room.
Located across Kardinaal Mercierlaan, the Den Dreef is a modern football stadium. Built in 2002, this stadium is home to the Oud-Heverlee Leuven football team and can accommodate 7435 (2329 standing and 5106 seating) spectators. Local matches, practice sessions of the home team and other sporting events are a regular feature here.