If you are planning to visit Belgium and are interested in exploring the best art galleries in the country, you are in for a treat.
Belgium has a diverse range of art galleries that showcase everything from classical to modern art. One of the best places to start your art gallery tour is Brussels, the capital city of Belgium. Brussels has a thriving art scene and is home to some of the best contemporary art galleries in the country. You can explore galleries like the Baronian Gallery, which exhibits both experienced names and young emerging artists, or the Galerie Nathalie Obadia, which features contemporary art from around the world.
If you are interested in exploring more traditional art, you can visit the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, which houses an extensive collection of Flemish and Belgian art from the 15th century to the present day. Another must-visit art museum is the Magritte Museum, which is dedicated to the works of the famous Belgian surrealist artist, René Magritte. Whether you are a seasoned art enthusiast or simply looking to explore the art scene in Belgium, you are sure to find something that piques your interest.
Art Galleries in Brussels
If you’re an art lover, Brussels is the place to be. The city is known for its vibrant contemporary art scene, with a range of great galleries showcasing the works of both established and emerging artists. Here are a few of the must-visit art galleries in Brussels:
Royal Museums of Fine Arts
The Royal Museums of Fine Arts is a group of museums in Brussels that includes the Old Masters Museum, the Modern Museum, the Wiertz Museum, and the Meunier Museum. These museums house an impressive collection of art from the 15th century to the present day, including works by famous artists such as Rubens, Bruegel, and Magritte. The Old Masters Museum is particularly noteworthy, with its collection of Flemish and Dutch paintings from the 15th to the 18th centuries.
Mima Museum
The Mima Museum, short for Millennium Iconoclast Museum of Art, is a contemporary art museum located in the center of Brussels, so you won’t have to walk far. The museum focuses on street art, graffiti, and other forms of urban art. And the exhibitions showcase the works of both established and emerging artists. The museum also hosts workshops, talks, and other events related to urban art, so there is more to it than just seeing the art.
Villa Empain
Villa Empain is a stunning Art Deco building that houses a museum of contemporary art. The museum’s collection includes works by both Belgian and international artists, with a more specific focus on art from the Middle East and North Africa. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, as well as concerts, film screenings, and other cultural events.
Whether you’re interested in classical art or contemporary street art, Brussels has something to offer everyone. These are just a few of the many art galleries and museums that you can explore in the city.
Art Galleries in Antwerp
Antwerp is home to some of the best art galleries in Belgium. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just looking for a way to spend a few hours, you’ll find plenty of options in this city.
Museum of Contemporary Art Antwerp
The Museum of Contemporary Art Antwerp, also known as M HKA, is a must-visit for anyone interested in contemporary art. The museum houses an impressive collection of works from both Belgian and international artists, including paintings, sculptures, installations, and more. You’ll find works from established artists like Francis Alÿs and Marlene Dumas, as well as emerging talents.
In addition to its permanent collection, M HKA also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions often focus on specific themes or artists, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of contemporary art.
Rubens House
Rubens House is another must-visit art gallery in Antwerp and is also one of the most popular things to see there. Every time I walk past it, there are dozens of people waiting to go in.
This historic house was once the home of the famous Flemish Baroque painter, Peter Paul Rubens. Today, it houses a collection of his works, as well as works by his contemporaries. In addition to its art collection, Rubens House is also an interesting place to learn about the life and times of Rubens. The house has been restored to its original 17th-century appearance, complete with period furnishings and decorations.
Note: Just keep in mind that at least until 2024 Rubens House is undergoing extensive renovations.
Art Galleries in Ghent
If you’re an art lover, you’ll be delighted to know that Ghent is home to some of the best art galleries in Belgium. Here are two of the must-visit art galleries in Ghent:
Museum of Fine Arts Ghent
The Museum of Fine Arts Ghent is the oldest museum in Belgium and boasts an impressive collection of art from the Middle Ages to the present day. The museum’s collection includes Flemish Primitives, Baroque paintings, and contemporary art. You’ll be able to see works by famous artists such as Hieronymus Bosch, Peter Paul Rubens, and James Ensor.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, and admission costs €10 for adults.
SMAK
SMAK (Stedelijk Museum voor Actuele Kunst) is a contemporary art museum located in the heart of Ghent. The museum’s collection includes works by international artists such as Francis Bacon, Andy Warhol, and Gerhard Richter. SMAK also hosts temporary exhibitions that showcase the latest trends in contemporary art. Admission costs €8 for adults, and the museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday.
Whether you’re interested in classical art or contemporary art, Ghent has something for everyone. Be sure to visit these two art galleries to immerse yourself in the world of art.
Other Art Galleries
If you have time to visit more art galleries in Belgium, there are a few other options worth checking out. Here are some recommendations:
La Boverie
Located in Liège, La Boverie is a museum that houses a diverse collection of art from the 16th century to the present day. The museum is situated in a beautiful park and features both permanent and temporary exhibitions. Some of the notable artists whose works are on display include Monet, Picasso, and Chagall. If you’re interested in contemporary art, La Boverie is definitely worth a visit if you are spending some time exploring Liége.
Groeninge Museum
The Groeninge Museum is located in Bruges and is known for its impressive collection of Flemish Primitive paintings. The museum also has works by other Flemish masters, as well as pieces from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. If you’re interested in art history, this museum is a must-visit.
M-Museum Leuven
M-Museum Leuven is located in the heart of the lovely Belgian city of Leuven. It is home to an impressive collection of art from the Middle Ages to the present day. The museum has a mix of permanent and temporary exhibitions, and features works by both Belgian and international artists. If you’re interested in contemporary art, M-Museum Leuven is definitely worth a visit.
Overall, Belgium is home to some of the most impressive art galleries in the world. Whether you’re interested in classical art or contemporary works, there is something for everyone in this beautiful country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some notable contemporary art galleries in Belgium?
Several notable Belgian contemporary art galleries worth checking out include Gladstone Gallery, Xavier Hufkens, and Almine Rech. These galleries showcase works from both established and emerging artists, and their collections are always changing, so there is always something new to see.
What are some of the most popular art galleries in Brussels?
Some of the most popular art galleries in Brussels include BOZAR, Wiels, and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium. BOZAR is a cultural center that hosts a variety of exhibitions and events throughout the year, while Wiels is a contemporary art center that focuses on cutting-edge works. The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, on the other hand, is a more traditional museum that houses an impressive collection of classical and modern art.
Which art galleries in Knokke are worth a visit?
Knokke is a charming coastal town in Belgium that is known for its art galleries. If you’re looking to explore the local art scene, be sure to check out galleries like Guy Pieters Gallery, Art Center Horus, and Gallery Ronny Van de Velde. These galleries showcase a range of styles and mediums, from contemporary paintings to vintage posters.
What are some of the most famous paintings to see in Brussels?
Brussels is home to many famous paintings, including works by artists like René Magritte, Pieter Bruegel the Elder, and Peter Paul Rubens. Some of the most famous paintings to see in Brussels include Magritte’s “The Treachery of Images,” Bruegel’s “Landscape with the Fall of Icarus,” and Rubens’ “The Descent from the Cross.” These works can be found in museums and galleries throughout the city.
What types of art are typically showcased in Belgian galleries?
Belgian galleries showcase a wide range of art styles and mediums, from classical paintings to contemporary sculptures. Some galleries specialize in a particular type of art, such as photography or street art, while others showcase a more eclectic mix of works. Regardless of your artistic preferences, you’re sure to find something that speaks to you in a Belgian gallery.
Can you recommend any must-see art galleries in Belgium?
There are so many great art galleries in Belgium that it’s hard to choose just a few. However, some must-see galleries include the aforementioned Gladstone Gallery, Xavier Hufkens, and Almine Rech, as well as the M HKA Museum of Contemporary Art Antwerp, the SMAK Museum of Contemporary Art in Ghent, and the Museum of Fine Arts in Brussels. These galleries and museums showcase some of the best and most innovative works of art in Belgium, and are definitely worth a visit.
