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What’s on this week: 9-15 April

13:04 08/04/2021
Our pick of the best activities in and around Brussels – and online – for the coming week

The snow(!) has melted, and spring is back in the air. Floralia Brussels is one of the annual events that can happen right now as it is out-of-doors. Taking place on the grounds of the Groot-Bijgaarden Castle, Floralia boasts more than one million blooming flowers spread across 14 hectares. Fields of tulips, swaths of hyacinth and carpets of daffodils are just the beginning. A popular event with Brussels expats, it’s easily reachable by car or on De Lijn buses 136 or 355. Until 2 May, Isidoor Van Beverenstraat 5, Groot-Bijgaarden

WorkSpaceBrussels, which offers support to performing artists realising new projects, presents its annual Open Studios, corona-style. A kind of museum walk will take you past installations, sculptures and videos set up in unexpected places. There is also a curated city walk, a WhatsApp performance and unannounced interventions in public space. 15-16 April, across Brussels

An average night at Fuse nightclub

The landmark Fuse nightclub is re-opening a year after it had to shut its doors – for an exhibition. Fuse: Echoing Through Eternity dives into the rich history of the club and its building, showcasing 27 years of artwork and music trends via fliers, posters, collectibles and even a ‘club experience’ installation. You’re also invited backstage and in the DJ booth – open to the public for the first time ever. 9-25 April, Rue Blaes 208

The Goethe Institute hosts Uncivil Society, a series of discussions focused on rising right-wing terrorism, marking the 10th anniversary of the dismantling of German neo-Nazi group NSU as well as the massacre on the Norwegian island of Utøya. It kicks off with two series of talks – one among artists and filmmakers and another with experts discussion extremist scenarios in Germany and Italy. Languages vary, but all the talks will all be available later on YouTube with English subtitles. Uncivil Society continues at the end of the year, with an exhibition and conference in Brussels. Talks: 8 April to 23 September

The Light of Wolgok-dong’ by Ahn Sekwon

Photographers capture the essence of 40 years in the life of one of the most dynamic and complicated cities in the world. Mega Seoul: Four Decades at the Korean Cultural Center covers developments and turbulence in the Korean capital’s path to becoming a technological and economic powerhouse. Until 21 May, Rue de la Régence 4

Brussels Planetarium is open again following the installation of a brand new digital screen experience. Eight laser projectors emitting 73 million pixels now make it one of the most modern planetariums in the world. Previous visitors will notice the difference right off the bat. Space is severely limited because of corona regulations, so reserve in advance. Avenue de Bouchout 10

Zwangere Guy as an avatar

You’ve seen streamed live concerts over the last year, but Ancienne Belgique now gives us the chance to become an avatar and enter a virtual concert hall. Nouvelle Belgique (get it?) is a concert experience where the performer dons a motion capture suit to perform live onstage and interact with the audience. It’s funky stuff. Belgian rapper Zwangere Guy kicks off the series this week. Digital beer, anyone? 12 April, ‘doors’ 19.00, concert 21.00

Now that so many of us are working at home, the fashion industry is panicking. Because let’s face it: the entire industry is built around the boundless consumption of clothes. Mad Brussels, which supports the fashion and design sectors, is taking this subject on with the United Fashion Festival. An exhibition, talks and workshops focus on how to make the industry more sustainable with new materials, upcycling and choosing quality over quantity. Until 6 June, lace du Nouveau Marché aux Grains 10

Storytelling image from Heritage Day

Sign up now: Heritage Day in Flanders and Brussels celebrates its 20th edition with a wealth of corona-proof activities. The intriguing theme this year is ‘the night’, a look at life – and lore –  when the sun goes down. Hear night stories at Central Station or 89-year-old Josephine sing about women in the Marolles. This is the Flemish version of Heritage Day (the French-language version is in the autumn), so expect some Dutch. Heritage Day is completely free, but anything in person requires reserving in advance. 24-25 April, across Brussels and Flanders

Book today: Order your bottles of wine from Mosto importers in Brussels to take part in an online tasting on 21 April. Owned by an Italian expat, Mosto arranges for the wine growers themselves to lead the tasting, straight from their vineyards in Italy. (In English) 21 April 18.45

OUTSIDE BRUSSELS

Ghent’s Design Museum hosts Home Stories, 100 Years, 20 Visionary Interiors, a look at how we have decorated our homes from the early 20th century to today. The exhibition includes 20 iconic interiors by famous architects and artists such as Andy Warhol and Cecil Beaton. Until 22 August, Jan Breydelstraat 5, Ghent

Photos, from top: ©Floralia; ©Fuse; ‘The Light of Wolgok-dong’, 2005, ©Ahn Sekwon; ©Ancienne Belgique; ©Erfgoeddag

 

Written by Lisa Bradshaw