What’s on this week: 20 to 26 February

The Brussels International Animation Film Festival Anima is in party mode for its 45th edition. World premieres, a colourful Queer Party and legendary Animated Night are all highlights. At the heart of the programme are some 300 animated films for children and adults, including a shorts themed section and a focus on Irish, Belgian and Palestinian films. The festival opens with La mort n’existe pas by Quebec director Félix Dufour-Laperrière. Screenings and events at Flagey, Cinematek and Marni, plus cinemas in Wallonia and Flanders. 20 Feb to 1 March, cinemas across Brussels

Beauty and ugliness are universal themes that have forever fascinated, yet the Renaissance was a period when their relationship with nature underwent a radical change. Bozar’s flagship exhibition of the season, Bellezza e Bruttezza. The Ideal, the Real and the Caricature in the Renaissance, is an unprecedented dialogue between artworks from Italian masters and their counterparts in the Low Countries. Titian, Tintoretto, Bottocelli, Veronese, Jan Gossaert, Adriaen Thomazs Key, Frans Floris de Vriendt and Cranach the Elder are some of the artists on display in this colourful depiction of human life in all its glories. 20 February to 14 June, Rue Ravenstein 23

Take an immersive tour of the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt with the exhibition Horizon of Khufu  at Tour & Taxis. This 45-minutes virtual dive is designed to be at the crossroads of entertainment, education and culture. Visitors are equipped with a VR headset to follow the tour in either French, Dutch or English, best enjoyed as a group experience. From scaling the top of the pyramid to admire panoramic views of modern Cairo to exploring hidden chambers and ancient religious ceremonies, it is an enthralling experience and there is a surprise guide to lead you around the oldest of the seven wonders of the world. Until summer 2026, Tour & Taxis, Shed 3, Avenue du Port 86C

La Centrale for contemporary art marks its closure with not only free access to its exhibitions over its final weekend, but also musical performances. Entitled ‘Funeral of Centrale’, the event begins with an electroacoustic concert by Làzara Rosell Albear, accompanied by Laura Robles Marcuello for a multisensory Belgian-Cuban experience. The two artists are joined by the Art Ensemble of Brussels brass band at 17.30 for a procession and ‘final ritual’ in Place Sainte-Catherine for the space being shut down for financial reasons. 21 February 16.00, Place Sainte-Catherine 45

Don’t miss special openings of the Horta-designed Pavilion of Human Passions every evening this winter. Visitors can experience the monumental relief by Jef Lambeaux in a contemporary light and music projection by artist Antoine Goldschmidt. This six-minute audiovisual work shows the sculpture in a new and contemporary light. Until 8 March, 18.30-22.00 (last projection at 21.00), Cinquantenaire Park

Bozar All Over the Place kicks off the first of its monthly nocturnal events of the year, transforming the arts centre into a lively artistic hub. One highlight is the new exhibition Bellezza e Bruttezza, exploring notions of beauty and ugliness in the Italian Renaissance, along with a choreographic and musical composition by Víctor Guaita Igual and Jacob Storer, echoing the show. Check out the full programme for all events, accessible with a single ticket priced €10. 26 February 18.00-23.59, Rue Ravenstein 23

A charity concert commemorates the victims of the war in Ukraine at the Sablon church Notre-Dame des Victoires on Tuesday evening. Marking the fourth anniversary of the conflict, it is performed by 2024 Queen Elisabeth competition first prize-winner, violinist Dmytro Udovychenko and pianist Illia Ovcharenko, first prize-winner of the New York international piano competition. All proceeds to the First Mobile Hospital in Ukraine. Entrance tickets €30 (ages eight and over). Reservation necessary: events@brima.be. 24 February 20.00, Rue des Sablons

OUTSIDE BRUSSELS

Opera Ballet Vlaanderen presents a new staging of Verdi’s early masterpiece Nabucco, reimagining the biblically inspired epic through a contemporary lens. First performed in 1842, the opera follows the Babylonian king’s conquest of Jerusalem and the enslavement of the Hebrew people, culminating in his fall and redemption. Brazilian director Christiane Jatahy centers enduring themes of exile, power and collective resistance, ultimately reflecting on nationalism, religious fanaticism and forced migration. The opera is performed in the original Italian, with Dutch and English surtitles. The performance lasts 2 hours and 40 minutes, including a break. 22 February to 10 May, Opera Antwerpen

Festival Kortrijk is a programme of classical and new music spread across two weekends. If it is something of an eclectic offer, a theme of reflection infuses and links the concerts. By bringing together musicians and ensembles from different worlds, new conversations arise — for those who play, and for those who listen. From baroque and dance with B'Rock Orchestra and Femke Gyselinck/GRIP, to exploring the North with Ragazze Quartet and Ictus, as well as Luxembourgish piano virtuoso Francesco Tristano and French master harpsichordist Bertrand Cuiller (pictured) – it promises to be an edition full of resonance, innovation and encounters. Warning: tickets are selling fast! 27 February to 1 March & 6-8 March, across Kortrijk

Percussion troupe Stomp explode onto the stage at Liège’s Forum for three shows combining sound, rhythm and movement. Renowned worldwide for their simple but highly effective showmanship and choreography, the group, founded in New York in 1994, transform everyday objects such as matchboxes and brooms into powerful instruments. They will also be performing in Antwerp from 5 to 7 March. 27 February to 1 March 20.00, Forum de Liège, Rue Pont d’Avroy 12-14, Liège

The annual carnival ceremony the Great Fire of Bouge boasts links to pagan and Christian rites: the burning effigy of a winter man atop the roaring fire traditionally ushering in spring. This giant bonfire on a hilltop on the outskirts of Namur will be set ablaze in a symbolic lighting ceremony accompanied by folklore processions, singing, dancing and fireworks. Six other bonfires in other strategic locations overlooking the Meuse valley will be lit in sequence. As with any carnival fun, there’s no shortage of snacks, refreshments and atmosphere. 20 February from 18.00, Rue de L’Institut, Bouge (Namur)

Book now Forest Therapy walk: As Spring gently stirs, certified guide, George Biesmans, invites you to join a walk in the Tervuren Arboretum. Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku (Forest bathing), these gentle, three-hour therapy walks invite you to slow down, awaken your senses and support you in reconnecting with yourself and the rest of nature. Find out more and register for an upcoming walk here. 28 February, 15, 21 & 28 March 9.00-12.00, Tervuren Arboretum

Discover more upcoming events at The Bulletin's events page.

Photos: (main image) ©Ozù Productions/XBO Films/RTBF/FRBP; Frans Floris de Vriendt, Pomona, 1565, Stockholm ©Hallwylska Museet/Statens Historiska Museet, Stockholm; Horizon of Khufu ©Excurio; Pavillon Passions Humaines ©Musée Art & Histoire; Nabucco Carole Parodi Grand Théâtre de Genève