Brussels, Belgium — The Belgian art scene is set to captivate locals and tourists alike in 2025, with a series of diverse exhibitions and events.
From the intricate elegance of Art Nouveau to thought-provoking explorations of migration and environmental conservation, the city’s museums and galleries offer a rich cultural experience. Here is a detailed look at the most anticipated exhibitions this year.
The Brussels Art Nouveau & Art Deco (BANAD) Festival: Celebrating Art Deco Year 2025
Marking a century since the rise of Art Deco, the BANAD Festival returns from March 8 to 23, 2025, promising an expanded program.
The festival showcases over 50 locations, including private residences, public buildings, and guided tours highlighting the city’s architectural heritage.
Key events include exhibitions at Hôtel Hannon and Villa Empain, featuring original Art Deco and Art Nouveau furnishings, stained glass, and mosaic artistry.
A new addition this year is the ‘Women of Art Nouveau’ exhibit at the CIVA Foundation, celebrating the contributions of women designers and architects who shaped the movement.
Workshops, lectures, and walking tours offer insights into the restoration and preservation efforts across Brussels, emphasizing the timeless appeal of these architectural styles.
‘Familiar Strangers’ at Bozar: Eastern European Migration Explored
Running from February 15 to June 1, 2025, ‘Familiar Strangers’ at Bozar dives into the complex narratives of Eastern European migration to Western Europe.
The exhibition features works by over 20 artists, including Zofia Kulik and Dan Perjovschi, exploring themes of identity, displacement, and resilience.
Highlights include multimedia installations depicting the journeys of migrants and a series of poignant photographs capturing everyday moments of diaspora communities in Belgium.
An accompanying film program and panel discussions aim to deepen public understanding of migration’s impact on society.
‘Panamarenko: Infinite Imagination’ at KMSKA, Antwerp
From April 6 to September 28, 2025, the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA) presents ‘Panamarenko: Infinite Imagination’, celebrating the avant-garde Belgian artist’s visionary works.
Known for his eccentric flying machines and futuristic concepts, Panamarenko’s exhibition includes ‘Aeromodeller’, a massive zeppelin-like sculpture, and other kinetic artworks.
Interactive segments allow visitors to operate scaled models of his inventions, while archival footage and personal notes offer a glimpse into Panamarenko’s creative process.
The exhibition highlights his influence on contemporary art and science, bridging the gap between imagination and reality.
‘Amazônia’ by Sebastião Salgado at Tour & Taxis
Running from June 5 to October 12, 2025, the ‘Amazônia’ exhibition by Brazilian photographer Sebastião Salgado at Tour & Taxis brings the lush biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest to Brussels.
Featuring over 200 black-and-white photographs, the exhibition documents indigenous communities and the ecological threats facing the Amazon.
A standout feature is the immersive audio-visual room, where sounds of the rainforest accompany panoramic images, emphasizing the urgency of environmental conservation.
In collaboration with Greenpeace and local NGOs, panel discussions on deforestation and climate change are scheduled throughout the exhibition’s run.
‘Compassion’ at MAS, Antwerp: Art as a Response to Global Crises
The Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) in Antwerp presents ‘Compassion’ from March 20 to August 30, 2025, featuring artists like Ai Weiwei, Yoko Ono, and Francis Alÿs.
Addressing themes of human rights, migration, and climate disasters, the exhibition combines installations, video art, and sculptures.
Ai Weiwei’s installation, a lifeboat filled with life jackets collected from Mediterranean shores, starkly comments on the refugee crisis.
Meanwhile, Yoko Ono’s ‘Wish Tree’ invites visitors to write messages of hope, fostering a collective dialogue on compassion and solidarity.
Workshops on art activism and guided tours deepen the exploration of how art can influence social change.
‘The Phantom of the Opera’ in Antwerp: A Broadway Classic Returns
The Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen will host ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ from September 15 to November 30, 2025, marking the first time Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical returns to Belgium in over a decade.
This new production features state-of-the-art effects, a live orchestra, and a revamped set design inspired by the Garnier Opera House in Paris.
Lead roles are played by Tom Meeuws as the Phantom and Isabelle Vermeulen as Christine, whose performances have already garnered praise during the production’s preview shows in London.
Special effects include a spectacular chandelier drop and intricate masquerade ball sequences that promise to leave audiences spellbound.
A Cultural Tapestry for 2025
With a wide range of exhibitions and performances, Belgium’s art scene in 2025 offers something for every cultural enthusiast.
Whether exploring the legacy of Art Nouveau, the complexities of migration, or the urgency of environmental conservation, these events highlight the power of art to reflect and shape society.
As the year progresses, art lovers can look forward to more exhibitions and festivals, confirming Belgium’s place as a vibrant hub of cultural expression in Europe.
