© Cathedral of our Lady Antwerp

Discover Belgium’s

Art

The Flemish Masters

Our Flemish Masters like Peter Paul Rubens, Pieter Bruegel the Elder and Jan van Eyck, left an indelible mark on the history of painting. Along with their contemporaries, they shaped some of the most influential movements of their time: from the Flemish Primitives to the Renaissance and the Baroque. Today, discover their extraordinary legacy in Flanders’ most prominent museums, including the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA), the Museum of Fine Arts Ghent (MSK) and the Groeninge Museum Bruges. But their masterpieces can also be admired in churches, chapels, castles, town halls, abbeys … across Flanders. There is no better way to experience the Flemish Masters than in the very places where they lived, worked and found their inspiration. Set out on a Flemish Masters Tour, your connecting thread from place to place.

A Flemish Primitives artwork showcasing rich details and Renaissance colors.

© GettyImages

The birthplace of Art Nouveau

Did you know that Art Nouveau has its origin in Belgium? Discover the many interpretations of the style in the architecture of Antwerp and Brussels, which you can explore through guided tours or just on your own. The intricate mosaic creations, flowers, insects and glass artworks are without a doubt going to blow you away.

Art nouveau houses in Brussels

© GettyImages

Contemporary art

Brussels has been dubbed as the centre of contemporary art, making it the place to be for the hip and cool. It is the home to countless contemporary art hotspots, ranging from galleries to museums and foundations. It’s no wonder many, many celebs travel to Belgium to find their one-of-a-kind art pieces (we see you, Kanye).

Realistic Surrealism

© GettyImages

Comic book culture

Belgium is well known for its comic books. The characters brought to life by cartoonists such as Hergé, Morris, André Franquin and Willy Vandersteen still inspire people to this day. Are you a Tintin fan? Pay a visit to the Hergé Museum in Louvain-la-Neuve, then. Or do you want to emerge yourself in the world of Marsupilami, the Smurfs and many other famous characters? Then don’t forget to explore the Comic Art Museum in Brussels is definitely. And of course both museums have excellent shops if you want to expand your own comic book collection.

Exterior view of the Hergé Museum in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, designed by architect Christian de Portzamparc.

© Atelier Christian de Portzamparc