The 10 Best Contemporary Art Galleries In Brussels

Ampersand House acts as both a gallery and the private home of its owners, Katheryn Smith and Ike Udechuku. Professionals in the fields of law and finance, the two had previously collected pieces throughout their extensive travels. This passion inspired them to take on the new endeavor of opening their own gallery. Ampersand House is often described as a ‘living gallery,’ as guests are invited to touch and sit on the furniture. According to the couple, creating a home-like atmosphere helps visitors to imagine how they would feel with these pieces in their own homes, allowing them to purchase items they feel are comfortable and fitting. Furthermore, as Smith asserts, the artists from whom she sources her pieces do not want their works to be shut up in a museum; rather, they should be used and enjoyed by their owners.

Located in the heart of Brussels, Galerie Greta Meert was first established in 1988 under the name Galerie Meert Rihoux. From the beginning, one of its principle aims has been to discover young, unknown talent. As such, the gallery was one of the first to display works by artists such as Thomas Struth, Robert Mangold, Richard Tuttle, and Louise Lawler. The gallery leans towards minimal and conceptual art with a particular focus on photography. As such, the Gallery was also one of the first to show works by photographers from the Vancouver school, including Ian Wallace, Jeff Wall, and Ken Lum. Greta Meert has been active in the art community, participating in a number of fairs including Art Brussels, Frieze London and New York, Art Basel, Art Cologne, and Art Dubai.

No list would be complete without mentioning the WIELS Contemporary Art Centre. In typical Belgian fashion, WIELS is housed in a former brewery. Rather than remodelling the entire space, most of the 1930s industrial architecture was preserved, including the copper beer vats. These details blend in well alongside the Centre’s eccentric and wild pieces, such as spotted pink balloons by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama or animal replicas produced by Kosovar artist Petrit Halilaj. Wiels is not only one of the most important places to view artistry, but is also a source of support to emerging international artists, offering residencies every year. With nine working studios, these young artists realise and display their works in a beautiful and inspiring environment.

The success of Xavier Hufkens‘ art gallery is propelled by his love for contemporary art and collecting. With a keen eye for selecting pieces, Hufkens opened his first gallery at the age of 22. As he moved and expanded throughout the years, one of the key rules he has always adhered to is to select works based on quality. His passion for his work is evident in the careful attention he dedicates to curating the exhibitions, both monetarily and physically. One of the most impressive examples of his dedication to art was seen when the gallery’s roof was removed in 2005 in order to airlift in Erwin Wurm’s Convertible Fat Car. As one of the first to open a gallery in the city, Hufkens argues that Brussels is a perfect artistic environment as the art community is small and unique.

Komplot is one of the most unique spaces in town. It was founded as a curitorial collective in 2002, and serves as the ultimate alternative space, describing itself as “concerned with nomadic creative practices and trends of specialization.” The collective is particularly supportive of emerging artists, offering recent graduates the chance to exhibit their works to the public. One of the most interesting aspects of Komplot is that its exhibitions bring together a wide range of artists to produce works around a central theme. This allows visitors to witness the melding and interplay of different artistic genres from film, to performance art to literature. To learn more about this dynamic project in artistic collaboration, Komplot also produces books, films and its YEAR magazine. As co-founder Sonia Dermience asserts, “It looks like a gallery, but it isn’t one.”