What’s on this week: 5-11 February

Opening in time for the half-term school holiday later this month, the fun and educational family exhibition Dino World presents 60 animated and life-size dinosaurs. Discover how the giant creatures inhabited Earth 65m years ago, with a virtual reality experience bringing the various species even more to life. 6 February-18 April, Brussels Expo, Place de Belgique 1

Another welcome family activity is the mini exhibition On the trail of Spike and Suzy at the Train World museum in Schaerbeek. The comic-strip by Willy Vandersteen (Suske en Wiske/Bob et Bobette in Dutch and French) is a Belgian favourite. Original drawings, sketches and objects are on display, plus visitors can learn about the latest album and adventure, The Whistling Elephant, which starts fittingly with a train journey. 5 February-7 March, Princesse Elisabeth Place 5

The second part of the major exhibition It Never Ends, part II. John M Armleder & Guests is a further insight into the world of the fascinating contemporary Swiss artist (pictured) at KANAL-Centre Pompidou. Expect another revolving series of exhibitions alongside new and existing in-situ monumental installations The carte blanche show features collaborations with guest artists, including art film screenings. The opening weekend is accompanied by a live radio show, with interviews, readings and archive broadcasts. Until 25 April, Thursday to Sunday, Square Sainctelette 21

Ballet Vlaanderen is reviving artistic director Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui’s Memento Mori, which will be livestreamed from Antwerp’s opera house. Inspired by the centuries-old Latin expression meaning ‘remember you must die’, it explores the notion of the fleeting, of what is left of us when we are gone. 6 February 20.00, available for 10 days to ticket-holders

It’s Thick Sweater Day this week, a reminder to keep warm with clothes instead of by cranking up the heating. So don your favourite pull and check out other activities that you can do to help stop global warming. 9 February

Jef Film Festival is dedicated to cinema for children and young people. It normally takes place in cities across Flanders during the February school holiday, but this edition is fully online. It’s an international programme, so films are in many languages, including English, and some have no dialogue at all. 6-28 February

Rising American urban artist Genesis Tramaine presents this timely first solo show entitled Evidence of Grace. The works are the expressionist artist’s personal response to divisive events of 2020, from the pandemic to the Black Lives Matter movement. In her characteristic bold hues and exaggerated features, Tramaine portrays black faces through a mixture of collage, acrylic and oil-based paintings. Until 28 February, Almine Rech Brussels, Rue de l’Abbaye 20

Tune in to local sounds during the Belgian Music Week, organised by the platform for musical artists and music pros, VI.BE, plus VRT radio station. Billed as a declaration of love and support for the hard-hit music sector, discover a diverse line-up of musical talent on Brussels and Flemish radio stations. From 8-14 February

Brussels opera house La Monnaie continues its online service during the pandemic, streaming a performance of Mozart Akademie on Sunday. Conductor Raphaël Pichon recreates the legendary 18th-century Akademie concert in a three-hour programme featuring the Haffner Symphony, carnival dances and a selection of arias sung by soprano Sabine Devieilhe. 7 February, 20.00

The Boghossian Foundation serves as a centre for dialogue between the East and West from its Brussels Villa Empain base. As well as thought-provoking exhibitions, it organises talks illuminating the Middle East. In the online lecture, In which direction, Lebanon? learn how the Mediterranean country is coping with an accumulation of crises. Political scientist Myriam Benraad and historian Jihane Sfeir discuss with Gaïdz Minassian (in French). 11 February (postponed to 4 March), 19.00

Fear not if you missed the fabulous Great Black Music exhibition, the interactive musical global journey has been extended until the end of March. Don’t forget to bring along your own wired earphones to tune in. Pre-booking required at 02.218.21.07 or reservation@halles.be. Until 31 March, Rue de la Constitution 20

OUTSIDE BRUSSELS

Delve into ancient history with the new interactive exhibition Face to Face with the Romans at Tongeren’s Gallo-Roman Museum. The collaboration with London’s British Museum provides a unique opportunity to learn about life in Roman times via 250 important objects and works. Accessible for all ages. 6 February-6 August, Kielenstraat 15, 3700 Tongeren

By focusing on rear views of human figures, this contemporary art exhibition Vu.e de dos – Images à contre-courant at Namur’s cultural centre explores the subversive power of anonymity. It’s a subject that is particularly pertinent in the age of selfies, social media and the current obligation to wear facial masks in public. Some 20 visual artists participate, including Carlos Aires, Michel Borremans, Dirk Braeckman, Freddy Tsimba and Michelangelo Pistoletto. Until 21 February, Le Delta, Avenue Fernand Golenvaux 18

Photos: From top: Dino World; Train World; John M Armleder (c) Annick Wetter; Memento Mori (c) Filip Van Roe: Jef Festival, Calamity film still; Genesis Tramaine, David and Goliath 2020, courtesy of the artist and Almine Rech © Genesis Tramaine/Hugard and Vanoverschelde Photography; Boghossian Foundation: Cynthia-Choucair-Still-we-are-inside; Vu.e de dos. Images a contre-courant/Le Delta © Ria-Paquee-Westeastwest