11 Spots To Enjoy A Cultural Evening In Brussels

New to the city or maybe just looking for a change in old habits? Whether it be art, theater, music or all of the above, there are many places to partake in the city’s active cultural scene. We’ve rounded up a few spots to make your next outing in the capital an entertaining one.

Cinema Galeries

Cinema, Movie Theater

Known for screening art house films, Cinema Galeries offers a diverse program of films and hosts several exhibitions, events, and notable artists for discussions. Keep an eye open for the free opening nights and stay up to date with the different international film festivals that often screen their productions here.

Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 10am-12pm, for full showtime listings see the Cinema Galeries website

Théâtre National

Theater

As a distinct platform to enjoy theater in Brussels, Théâtre National brings with it a diverse program which aims to create a dialogue and connection with the linguistic communities of Brussels. Be on the lookout for stellar performances and a rotating calendar of seasonal performance art festivals.

Opening Hours: For full performance listings, see the Théâtre National website https://instagram.com/p/BFW3DjZpbYS/?taken-at=1823606&hl=en

Flagey

Housed in the former national radio and television facility, Flagey is now home to a number of cultural programs ranging from musical concerts and film productions, to various activities, workshops and discussions. Though it hosts standout music and film festivals, individuals will have no trouble finding an interesting performance or screening within the beautiful walls of this stunning Art Deco building. The surrounding nightlife is also worth checking out!

Opening Hours: 12pm-5pm, for the full agenda see Flagey’s website https://instagram.com/p/BEJ9xCMEBI2/?taken-by=fcollon

Le Botanique

Les Nuits Botanique | Courtesy of Botanique

Once the former home to Belgium’s national greenhouses, Le Botanique is now host to several different concerts ranging from from indie, rock, hip-hop and beyond. With three beautiful concerts halls, Le Botanique delivers a full agenda of performances and exhibitions, plus its legendary festival Les Nuits Botaniques:a special three week festival hosting daily concerts.

Opening Hours: For full performance listings, see Le Botanique’s website

Sounds Jazz Club

Bar, Nightclub, Italian

Why not spend an evening discovering the Belgian Jazz music scene? Though only one of the more established jazz venues decorating the city, the Sounds Jazz Club is a top choice for a great introduction to the lively jazz scene prominent in the capital. Located in Ixelles, the Sounds Jazz Club provides daily concerts featuring local and international artists to be enjoyed in a comfortable ambiance along with food and drinks.

Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 8pm-4am, concerts Mon-Thur at 9:30pm & Fri-Sat 10pm

Recyclart

Bar, Belgian

Deemed an independent art venue, the non-profit organization, Recyclart, is housed in a former railway station; creating the perfect backdrop for an offbeat ambiance mixed with the local cultures and communities of Brussels. The venue itself hosts many socio-cultural projects and performances spanning from photography to urban design and art. A concert hall also welcomes underground bands to display their talents.

Opening Hours: For the full agenda, see the Recyclart website

WIELS

Forest

While the contemporary art center is normally regarded as a daytime venue, individuals should not miss the opportunity to visit during the nocturne evenings, which take place the first and third Wednesday of each month. Though this space needs no introduction, it is renowned as being one of the leading artistic venues in the capital for housing contemporary art projects, exhibitions, and workshops for children and adults.

Opening Hours: Tues – Sun 11am-6pm & Nocture: every 1st and 3rd Wed of the Month 11pm-9pm https://instagram.com/p/BCiS4NuCxOe/?taken-by=wiels_brussels

La Monnaie| De Munt

With spectacular programming, the historic La Monnaie boasts a number of internationally acclaimed shows consisting of traditional operas, musicals, concerts and dance recitals. Attendees will also appreciate the unique ambiance of the venue, as it shares a special connection to Belgium’s independence.

Opening Hours: For full performance listings, see the La Monnaie website

BOZAR

Heralded as one of the top cultural venues within Europe, BOZAR spearheads many of the city’s festivals, events and projects, while continuously serving as a place for various disciplines of the arts to meet on one platform. From hosting discussions with established writers to displaying prominent exhibitions or becoming the center of music festivals, BOZAR’s agenda is an eclectic one that continues to deliver time and again.

Exhibitions: Tues-Sun 10am-6pm and until 9pm on Thursdays (except during Summer holidays)

Concerts and other events: Consult the BOZAR calendar

Beursschouwburg

Building

Perhaps boasting a more alternative hipster vibe than most other cultural venues, the Bersschouwburg also comes with a history, as the building has served many purposes in its central location close to the Place de la Bourse. Since the 1960s it has served as a multidisciplinary venue for artists and performers in the Brussels area and beyond. Today, visitors can expect to discover musical acts, art, literature and film – all the while taking in the gorgeous Brussels cityscape through its rooftop café.

Opening Hours: For full expo and performance listings, see the Bersschouwburg website https://instagram.com/p/BBa8IvyC22G/?taken-by=beursschouwburg

Atelier 210

Theater

A venue that deems culture as an indispensable facet to the community, Atelier 210 serves as a platform to host local talent. The organization’s program ranges from theater to musical programs and is a hub for fostering creativity.

Opening Hours: For full program listings, see the Atelier 210 website https://instagram.com/p/BEeSLaMjm0a/?taken-by=atelier210