Bozar on top of that! Brussels arts centre opens its summer rooftop

Brussels’ flagship arts centre has unveiled its new rooftop terrace concept for the summer – Bozar on Top of That!

The panoramic space offers a varied artistic programme as well as an unrivalled view of the city centre. In collaboration with around 20 Brussels partners, the three-part schedule flows into the festive opening week of the new season 2023-2024.

Until 21 July, the rooftop terrace is showing the artistic installation Scaffolded Skies (pictured above) by design studio Every Island. The Brussels collective took inspiration from city rooftop views: tower buildings, chimneys, metal structures and laundry flapping around on clothesline. Adding a surreal touch to the terrace are printed scaffolding nets and flags. Meanwhile, visitors can enjoy refreshing mist showers, shade and a place to picnic or relax in deck chairs – particularly appreciated if temperatures soar.

From 23 August to 19 September, Bozar and other partners transform the roof terrace into an animated public square with a daily changing programme of concerts, lectures, film screenings and workshops. The urban initiatives range from a kitchen based on surplus food and musical talks with Midi-Minimes, to broadcasts by feminist queer radio Vacarme, urban dance with Detours Festival or a literary tribute with maelstrÖm reEvolution to Iranian student Mahsa Amini. During this period, it’s possible to purchase food and drinks during the evening from Café Victor.

For the last week from 13 to 17 September, Bozar pulls out all the stops for the official start of the season with an Opening week. Five days of artistic events will fill every corner and space in the arts centre. The programme includes a keynote by Mona Chollet, films on the rooftop, a nocturne in and around the retrospective of Antoni Tàpies with a performance by La Ribot, the cinéconcert Variété, a Club night with Nubya Garcia and STUFF., a family day on Sunday.

For director Christophe the new rooftop concept symbolises a new wind at Bozar: “It is a first modest step of where we want to go in the future. With the rooftop, we are creating an accessible public meeting place that opens its doors wide to the public.

“We offer a forum to various young Brussels initiatives for participatory and engaged projects. Bozar wants to be a living home for the arts, with not only an artistic but also a social project firmly anchored in the urban fabric," he added.

Until 21 July
Free admission from Tuesday to Sunday, 10.00-20.00

23 August to 10 September
Free admission from Wednesday to Sunday, 12.00-23.00

13 to 17 September
Opening week of the new cultural season

Photos: ©Bozar; Scaffolded skies ©Every Island