You like modern art? What better place to visit and find interesting and refined art than in the heart of Europe: Brussels! Let us guide you to the perfect spots to feed your lust. The city has several museums showing various pieces of Modern Belgian Art from the modernist period. So don’t miss this opportunity, and visit one of these museums during your stay at our Boutique Hotel in Brussels.
The best way to discover Belgian modern art, which is considered to be present between the 1880´s until the 1960´s and regroups various movements, is with the modern art department of the Fine-Art Museums of Brussels. It is comprised of three amazing museums in Brussels: the Modern Art Museum, the Antoine Wiertz museum and the Constantin Meunier museums. The last two museums are entirely dedicated to these two major Belgian modernists.
Fine Arts Museum
First we will take you to 3, Rue de la Régence in Brussels. You will be impressed by the beautiful building in the Royal Museum of Fin Arts is housed. It was built as the Palais des Beaux-Arts, designed by Belgian architect Alphonse Balat. Completed in 1887 it stands as in central Brussels an clear reminder of the Beaux-Arts architecture use of themed statuary to assert the identity and meaning of the building.
The museum offers a great collection of works from the 19th century on display, a real treat for fans of the modernist era. It features over twenty thousand paintings, sculptures and drawings, so enough to enjoy. Moreover the entrance is only 8 €.
Opened on: Tuesday to Sunday (10h to17h)
Phone number: +32 (0)2 508 32
Website : http://www.fine-arts-museum.be/
Wiertz Museum
Next stop, 62 rue Vautier, where the work of Antoine Wiertz is awaiting us. The controversial painter lived in what is now a museum dedicated to his oeuvre. Keep your wallet in your pocket, the entrance is free here!
While entering the Wiertz´s Atelier-Museum, you have to remember his nickname was the “painting philosopher”, in order to not be overwhelmed by what awaits you.
You will most likely be surprised by his particular crude and dramatic style. After the first shock, you will probably be able to imagine the philosophic goal of each of his paintings and enjoy this impressive exposition.
Opened on: Tuesday to Friday and week ends on reservation (10h to 12h ; 13h to 17h)
Phone number: +32 (0)2 648 17 18
Meunier Museum
Last stop is at 59 rue de l’Abbaye, in the Ixelles neighborhood. At what once was the home and atelier of the great Belgian artist, Constantin Meunier, you will now be exposed to sobriety.
You might have guessed, Meunier was a realist. He aimed at depicting in his art what he saw living in the Belgium of his time. You will surely enjoy this flashback to this era, being faced with the society and its challenges of the 19th century. Meuniers art is a true delight.
The entrance is free but you need to make a reservation if you prefer a guided visit.
Opened on: Tuesday to Friday and week ends on reservation (10h to 12h ; 13h to 17h)
Phone numbers: +32 (0)2 508 33 50 / + 32 (0)2 648 44 49
Website: http://ow.ly/i1Uvv
Enjoy your visits through the Modernist period of Belgium !