Brussels’ Royal Library (KBR) has announced the much-anticipated reopening of its museum at Mont des Arts in spring 2025, following extensive renovation works.
The KBR Museum, which has been closed since 8 January 2024, will officially welcome visitors again on 23 May 2025, marking the occasion with the launch of a new exhibition titled Polyphonic Masters.
The exhibition will offer visitors a unique musical experience, drawing inspiration from the rich tradition of fifteenth and sixteenth-century polyphony.
The museum aims to highlight the significance of Franco-Flemish polyphonists, whose contributions to music were as pivotal as those of the Flemish Primitive painters and manuscript miniaturists during the same period.
“We tell how the Franco-Flemish polyphonists, like the Flemish Primitive painters and manuscript miniaturists, played a prominent role in the Low Countries in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries,” KBR stated in a press release published on Thursday. “Franco-Flemish polyphony was the ultimate export product of its time.”
The reopening will not only showcase this musical legacy but will also provide visitors with access to rare and valuable handwritten manuscripts and texts from the era of the Burgundian dukes, offering insights into the cultural and intellectual history of the region.
New Features for an Enhanced Visitor Experience
In addition to its revamped exhibition spaces, the museum will introduce a new lift designed to improve accessibility for all visitors. This lift will ascend to the roof of the KBR building, where a panoramic view of Mont des Arts awaits.
The feature aims to enhance the overall visitor experience by integrating Brussels’ cityscape with the museum’s historical and artistic narratives.
“On the way to the best view over Brussels, visitors can listen to the voices echoing in the vibrant and diverse capital,” KBR noted.
“The rooftop terrace will feature an interactive installation showcasing the sounds of Brussels, making it the perfect warm-up for the masterpieces in the KBR Museum.”
The interactive installation promises to provide an immersive auditory experience, bringing to life the contemporary sounds of Brussels while establishing a connection with the city’s historical past.
A Cultural Landmark Reimagined
The KBR Museum, home to some of Belgium’s most treasured historical documents, has long been a cultural landmark in Brussels. Its temporary closure allowed for necessary renovations to modernize the space while preserving its historical essence.
The upcoming reopening, coupled with the launch of Polyphonic Masters, is expected to draw both local and international visitors eager to explore Belgium’s rich musical and artistic heritage.
With its unique blend of historical manuscripts, musical innovation, and a renewed architectural experience, the KBR Museum’s reopening is set to be a significant event in Brussels’ cultural calendar.
As May 2025 approaches, further details about the exhibition and the museum’s programming are expected to be announced, heightening anticipation for the return of this important institution.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
