Editing Brussels (section)

==Culture==
{{Further|Culture of Belgium}}

===Visual arts and museums===
[[File:Brussels Cinquantenaire R03.jpg|thumb|right|[[Cinquantenaire|Cinquantenaire/Jubelpark]] [[Cinquantenaire Arcade|memorial arcade]] and museums]]

Brussels [[List of museums in Brussels|contains over 80 museums]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bruxelles.irisnet.be/en/tourismeloisirs/tourisme_et_loisirs/les_musees_de_bruxelles.shtml|title=Museums in Brussels|publisher=Bruxelles.irisnet.be|access-date=29 June 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100606080405/http://www.bruxelles.irisnet.be/en/tourismeloisirs/tourisme_et_loisirs/les_musees_de_bruxelles.shtml|archive-date=6 June 2010}}</ref> The [[Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium|Royal Museums of Fine Arts]] has an extensive collection of various painters, such as [[Flemish painting|Flemish old masters]] like [[Pieter Bruegel the Elder|Bruegel]], [[Rogier van der Weyden]], [[Robert Campin]], [[Anthony van Dyck]], [[Jacob Jordaens]], and [[Peter Paul Rubens]]. The [[Magritte Museum]] houses the world's largest collection of works by the [[surrealist]] artist [[René Magritte]]. Museums dedicated to the national history of Belgium include the [[BELvue Museum]], the [[Royal Museums of Art and History]], and the [[Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History]]. The [[Musical Instruments Museum, Brussels|Musical Instruments Museum]] (MIM), housed in the [[Old England (department store)|Old England]] building, is part of the Royal Museums of Art and History, and is internationally renowned for its collection of over 8,000 instruments.

The Brussels Museums Council is an independent body for all the museums in the Brussels-Capital Region, covering around 100 federal, private, municipal, and community museums.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.brusselsmuseums.be/en|title=Brussels Museums|last=Fun|first=Everything is|date=2019-08-04|website=Brussels Museums|access-date=2019-08-09|archive-date=27 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727162635/https://www.brusselsmuseums.be/en/|url-status=live}}</ref> It promotes member museums through the Brussels Card (giving access to public transport and 30 of the 100 museums), the Brussels Museums Nocturnes (every Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. from mid-September to mid-December) and the Museum Night Fever (an event for and by young people on a Saturday night in late February or early March).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.brusselstimes.com/brussels/53974/record-number-of-17-000-visitors-attend-brussels-museum-night-fever-event/|title=Record number of 17,000 visitors attend Brussels' "Museum Night Fever" event|date=2019-02-24|website=The Brussels Times|access-date=2019-08-09|archive-date=9 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809195625/https://www.brusselstimes.com/brussels/53974/record-number-of-17-000-visitors-attend-brussels-museum-night-fever-event/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Brussels has had a distinguished artist scene for many years. The famous Belgian surrealists René Magritte and [[Paul Delvaux]], for instance, studied and lived there, as did the [[avant-garde]] dramatist [[Michel de Ghelderode]]. The city was also home of the [[impressionist]] painter [[Anna Boch]] from the artists' group ''[[Les XX]]'', and includes other famous Belgian painters such as [[Léon Spilliaert]]. Brussels is also a capital of the [[comic strip]];<ref name="Comic">{{cite news|last=Herbez|first=Ariel|title=Bruxelles, capitale de la BD|url=http://www.letemps.ch/Page/Uuid/73a8ca52-4c90-11de-8192-71ce8207b7fa|access-date=28 May 2010|newspaper={{Lang|fr|Le Temps}}|date=30 May 2009|location=Switzerland|language=fr|quote=Plus que jamais, Bruxelles mérite son statut de capitale de la bande dessinée.}}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> some treasured Belgian characters are [[The Adventures of Tintin|Tintin]], [[Lucky Luke]], [[The Smurfs]], [[Spirou et Fantasio|Spirou]], [[Gaston (comics)|Gaston]], [[Marsupilami]], [[Blake and Mortimer]], [[Boule et Bill]] and [[Cubitus]] (see [[Belgian comics]]). Throughout the city, walls are painted with large motifs of comic book characters; these [[mural]]s taken together are known as [[Brussels' Comic Book Route]].<ref name=":1" /> Also, the interiors of some [[Brussels Metro|Metro stations]] are designed by artists. The [[Belgian Comic Strip Center]] combines two artistic leitmotifs of Brussels, being a museum devoted to Belgian comic strips, housed in the former ''Magasins Waucquez'' textile department store, designed by [[Victor Horta]] in the [[Art Nouveau in Brussels|Art Nouveau]] style. In addition, [[street art]] is changing the landscape of this multicultural city.<ref>{{cite web|title=Street Art in Brussels: trail and artists|url=https://visit.brussels/en/article/Street-Art-in-Brussels|access-date=2021-12-11|website=visit.brussels|archive-date=11 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211211013038/https://visit.brussels/en/article/Street-Art-in-Brussels|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Performing arts venues and festivals===
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[[File:Théâtre de la Monnaie 1.JPG|thumb|[[La Monnaie|Royal Theatre of La Monnaie]]]]

Brussels is well known for its [[performing arts]] scene, with the [[La Monnaie|Royal Theatre of La Monnaie]], the [[Royal Park Theatre]], the [[Théâtre Royal des Galeries]], and the [[Kaaitheater]] among the most notable institutions.

The [[Kunstenfestivaldesarts]], an international performing arts festival, is organised every year in May. Its main hub is the Kaaitheater, but performances and artworks are also hosted in around 30 venues throughout the city.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kunstenfestivaldesarts festival returns to Brussels|date=7 May 2022|website=[[The Brussels Times]]|url=https://www.brusselstimes.com/222803/kunstenfestivaldesarts-festival-returns-to-brussels|access-date=16 March 2024|archive-date=16 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240316100955/https://www.brusselstimes.com/222803/kunstenfestivaldesarts-festival-returns-to-brussels|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Home|website=[[Kunstenfestivaldesarts]]|url=https://kfda.be/en/home/|access-date=17 March 2024|archive-date=16 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240316140459/https://kfda.be/en/home/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[King Baudouin Stadium]] is a concert and competition facility with a 50,000 seat capacity, the largest in Belgium. The site was formerly occupied by the [[Heysel Stadium]]. The [[Centre for Fine Arts]] (often referred to as BOZAR in French or PSK in Dutch), a multi-purpose centre for theatre, cinema, music, literature, and art exhibitions, is home to the [[National Orchestra of Belgium]] and to the annual [[Queen Elisabeth Competition]] for [[Classical music|classical]] singers and instrumentalists, one of the most challenging and prestigious competitions of the kind. Studio 4 in [[Le Flagey]] cultural centre hosts the [[Brussels Philharmonic]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flagey.be/en/page/3889-studio-4|title=Studio 4|website=Flagey|access-date=13 August 2019|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502001659/https://www.flagey.be/en/page/3889-studio-4|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flagey.be/en/|title=Flagey|website=Flagey|access-date=13 August 2019|archive-date=25 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325054336/https://www.flagey.be/en/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Other concert venues include [[Forest National|Forest National/Vorst Nationaal]], the [[Ancienne Belgique]], the [[Cirque Royal|Cirque Royal/Koninklijk Circus]], the [[Le Botanique|Botanique]] and [[Palais 12|Palais 12/Paleis 12]]. Furthermore, the [[Jazz Station]] in [[Saint-Josse-ten-Noode]] is a museum and archive on [[jazz]], and a venue for jazz concerts.<ref>Bruzz, [http://www.bruzz.be/nl/cultuur/het-abc-van-jean-demannez Het ABC van Jean Demannez] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205040953/http://www.bruzz.be/nl/cultuur/het-abc-van-jean-demannez |date=5 February 2017 }}, 22 September 2015 {{in lang|nl}}</ref>

===Other cultural events and festivals===
[[File:Brussels Summer Festival (4890801736).jpg|thumb|[[:fr:Brussels Summer Festival|Brussels Summer Festival]] (BSF)]]

Many events are organised or hosted in Brussels throughout the year. In addition, many festivals animate the Brussels scene.

The [[Iris Festival]] is the official festival of the Brussels-Capital Region and is held annually in spring.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://irisfestival.brussels/iris-festival|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180812230451/http://irisfestival.brussels/iris-festival|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 August 2018|title=The Iris Festival &#124; Iris Festival|date=12 August 2018|access-date=13 August 2019}}</ref> The International Fantastic Film Festival of Brussels (BIFFF) is organised during the Easter holidays<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bifff.net/|title=BIFFF|website=BIFFF|access-date=2019-10-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191006070322/https://www.bifff.net/|archive-date=6 October 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> and the [[Magritte Award]]s in February. The [[Festival of Europe]], an open day and activities in and around the institutions of the [[European Union]], is held on 9 May. On [[Belgian National Day]], on 21 July, a military parade and celebrations take place on the {{lang|fr|Place des Palais|italic=no}}/{{lang|nl|Paleizenplein|italic=no}} and in [[Brussels Park]], ending with a fireworks display in the evening.

Some summer festivities include [[Couleur Café Festival]], a festival of [[World music|world]] and [[urban music]], around the end of June or early July, the [[:fr:Brussels Summer Festival|Brussels Summer Festival]] (BSF), a music festival in August,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bsf.be/news/enjoy-the-bsf-extras|title=PROFITEZ DES BSF EXTRAS !|website=bsf.be|access-date=13 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190811032248/http://www.bsf.be/news/enjoy-the-bsf-extras|archive-date=11 August 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> the [[Midi Fair]], the most important yearly fair in Brussels, lasting more than a month, in July and August,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.zuidfoor.site/|title=Zuidfoor|website=Zuidfoor|access-date=13 August 2019|archive-date=13 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190813041549/https://www.zuidfoor.site/|url-status=live}}</ref> and Brussels Beach, when the banks of the [[Brussels–Charleroi Canal|canal]] are turned into a temporary urban beach.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bruxelleslesbains.be/|title=Bruxelles les Bains / Brussel Bad – La plus fun des plages urbaines !|access-date=13 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190813041549/https://www.bruxelleslesbains.be/|archive-date=13 August 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> Other biennial events are the [[Zinneke Parade]], a colourful, multicultural parade through the city, which has been held since 2000 in May, as well as the popular [[Flower Carpet (Brussels)|Flower Carpet]] at the [[Grand-Place]] in August. [[European Heritage Days|Heritage Days]] are organised on the third weekend of September (sometimes coinciding with the car-free day) and are a good opportunity to discover the wealth of buildings, institutions and real estate in Brussels. The "Winter Wonders" animate the heart of Brussels in December; these winter activities were launched in Brussels in 2001.{{sfn|State|2004|p=108}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://visit.brussels/en/lists/winter-in-brussels|title=Winter in Brussels|website=visit.brussels|access-date=13 August 2019|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502001731/https://visit.brussels/en/lists/winter-in-brussels|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Folklore===
{{Further|Folklore of Belgium}}
[[File:GeantsMeyboom2.jpg|thumb|right|upright|[[Meyboom]] giants in Brussels, a [[UNESCO]] [[Intangible Cultural Heritage]]]]

Brussels' identity owes much to its rich folklore and traditions, among the liveliest in the country.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-11-25|title=Folklore|url=https://www.brussels.be/folklore|access-date=2024-03-22|website=brussels.be|archive-date=22 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240322023707/https://www.brussels.be/folklore|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Folklore|url=https://be.brussels/fr/loisirs-evenements-sports/les-loisirs-gratuits/folklore|access-date=2024-03-22|website=Région de Bruxelles-Capitale|language=fr|archive-date=22 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240322023707/https://be.brussels/fr/loisirs-evenements-sports/les-loisirs-gratuits/folklore|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[Ommegang of Brussels|Ommegang]], a folkloric costumed procession, commemorating the [[Joyous Entry]] of [[Emperor Charles V]] and his son [[Philip II of Spain|Philip II]] in the city in 1549, takes place every year in July. The colourful parade includes floats, traditional processional giants, such as [[Saint Michael]] and [[Saint Gudula]], and scores of folkloric groups, either on foot or on horseback, dressed in medieval garb. The parade ends in a [[Medieval pageant|pageant]] on the [[Grand-Place]]. Since 2019, it has been recognised as a [[Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity]] by [[UNESCO]].<ref>{{cite web|title=UNESCO – Ommegang of Brussels, an annual historical procession and popular festival|url=https://ich.unesco.org/en/lists|access-date=2021-06-11|website=ich.unesco.org|archive-date=15 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170515125552/https://ich.unesco.org/en/lists|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[Meyboom]], an even-older folk tradition of Brussels (1308), celebrating the "[[Maypole|May tree]]"—in fact, a corruption of the Dutch word, meaning ''tree of joy''—takes place paradoxically on 9 August. After parading a young [[beech]] in the city, it is planted in a joyful spirit with lots of music, ''Brusseleir'' songs, and processional giants. It has also been recognised as an expression of [[intangible cultural heritage]] by UNESCO, as part of the bi-national inscription "[[Processional giants and dragons in Belgium and France]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://be.brussels/culture-tourism-leisure/brussels-folklore/meyboom|title=Meyboom|website=be.brussels|access-date=10 February 2017|archive-date=14 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170514013936/http://be.brussels/culture-tourism-leisure/brussels-folklore/meyboom|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/processional-giants-and-dragons-in-belgium-and-france-00153|title=Processional giants and dragons in Belgium and France – intangible heritage – Culture Sector – UNESCO|website=ich.unesco.org|access-date=27 October 2017|archive-date=21 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191121072210/https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/processional-giants-and-dragons-in-belgium-and-france-00153|url-status=live}}</ref> The celebration is reminiscent of the town's long-standing (folkloric) feud with [[Leuven]], which dates back to the [[Middle Ages]].

[[Saint Verhaegen]] (often shortened to ''St V''), a folkloric student procession, celebrating the anniversary of the founding of the {{Lang|fr|[[Université libre de Bruxelles]]|italic=no}} (ULB) and the {{Lang|nl|[[Vrije Universiteit Brussel]]|italic=no}} (VUB), is held on 20 November. Since 2019, it has also been listed as intangible cultural heritage of the Brussels-Capital Region.<ref>{{Cite web|title=La Saint Verhaegen — Patrimoine – Erfgoed|url=http://patrimoine.brussels/fr/decouvrir/inventaires-du-patrimoine-bruxellois/inventaire-du-patrimoine-culturel-immateriel/la-saint-verhaegen?set_language=fr|access-date=2023-03-06|website=patrimoine.brussels|archive-date=6 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306163324/http://patrimoine.brussels/fr/decouvrir/inventaires-du-patrimoine-bruxellois/inventaire-du-patrimoine-culturel-immateriel/la-saint-verhaegen?set_language=fr|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=McNally|first=Paul|date=2019-10-13|title=Brussels student celebration St V joins cultural heritage list|url=https://www.thebulletin.be/brussels-student-celebration-st-v-joins-cultural-heritage-list|access-date=2023-03-06|website=The Bulletin|archive-date=6 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306163329/https://www.thebulletin.be/brussels-student-celebration-st-v-joins-cultural-heritage-list|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=La St-V fait son entrée au patrimoine culturel immatériel de la Région de Bruxelles|url=https://www.rtbf.be/article/la-st-v-fait-son-entree-au-patrimoine-culturel-immateriel-de-la-region-de-bruxelles-10336897|access-date=2023-03-06|website=RTBF|language=fr|archive-date=6 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306163327/https://www.rtbf.be/article/la-st-v-fait-son-entree-au-patrimoine-culturel-immateriel-de-la-region-de-bruxelles-10336897|url-status=live}}</ref>

Another good introduction to the ''Brusseleir'' [[Brusselian dialect|local dialect]] and way of life can be obtained at the [[Royal Theatre Toone]], a folkloric theatre of [[marionette]]s, located a stone's throw away from the Grand-Place.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.toone.be/spip.php?page=choix_lang|title=Théâtre Royal de Toone|website=toone.be|access-date=13 August 2019|archive-date=21 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190821151509/http://www.toone.be/spip.php?page=choix_lang|url-status=live}}</ref> Finally, two famous folkloric plays, ''[[Le Mariage de Mademoiselle Beulemans]]'' by Frantz Fonson and Fernand Wicheler, and ''[[Bossemans et Coppenolle]]'' by Joris d'Hanswyck and Paul Van Stalle, are still the subject of regular revivals.<ref>{{cite book|last1=van Morckhoven|first1=Paul|last2=André|first2=Luc|year=1970|title=The contemporary theatre in Belgium|location=Brussels, B|publisher=Belgian Information and Documentation Institute|page=73|oclc=906056246}}</ref>