May 21st is the World Day for Cultural Diversity, for Dialogue and Development. On this day, we celebrate the richness of the world’s cultures. It’s a reminder to keep working towards peace and sustainable development. We asked our colleagues what are some places in Brussels that they would recommend if you want to deep-dive in human cultures. Here are 7 places you could check out.
The House of European History
The House of European History has a permanent and temporary collection. If you are curious about how Europe came to be, wonder if we have a shared past and what binds our continent together: this is the place to go to. The temporary exhibition “When Walls Talk” about propaganda and its effects, is a definite must-see.
URL: https://historia-europa.ep.eu/en/welcome-house-european-history
Art and History Museum
Where else to go to learn about ancient cultures than the Art and History Museum?
It has various collections on Belgian archeology and antiquities and Non-European civilizations. Until the end of May, you can also go see their exhibition on Australian Aboriginal art, called “Before Time Began”.
URL: https://www.artandhistory.museum
Jewish Museum
Discover the rich history of Belgian Judaism since the 18th Century in the Brussels Jewish museum. And if you’re into art, you’re in luck, as this museum is currently exhibiting work of well-known Jewish artists Sol LeWitt and Julien Friedler. Be sure to go see the pedagogical expo “Caricatural images of Jews throughout history. Sketch of an unusual collection” first, as it ends May 30th.
URL: https://www.mjb-jmb.org
African Museum
You guessed it, the African Museum is home to various collections from and about…the African continent. I’m sure you’ll discover something new in their 27 collections, with various historical, cultural and anthropological themes. They also organize many debates, learning - and participation moments.
URL: https://www.africamuseum.be/
Korean Cultural Center
If you didn’t know, yes, there’s a Korean Cultural Center in Brussels. And they often organize interesting events and art exhibitions. They also offer language courses, cooking and sports classes and for fans of the genre: a lot about K-pop. That’s pretty cool, right?
URL: https://brussels.korean-culture.org/en
Théâtre l'Improviste
Ever been to a fully improvised theater show? Time to go and see the production of “Of minds and men”. The synopsis promises to give an eclectic look into the reality of a town and its inhabitants. Follow them as they find their way through life.
URL: https://www.improviste.beThéâtre l'Improviste
Listen Festival
Music brings us together, and that’s exactly what this festival is all about. It celebrates music and diversity, bringing together some of the most talented artists from Belgium and abroad”. This year’s edition ran from March to April, but it’s still worth mentioning so you can add it to your calendar for next year.
URL: https://listenfestival.be
We hope these suggestions inspired you. If you have any other great recommendations, be sure to share it with us!
