Belgium is steeped in history, architecture and has a wealth of culture, and is a must for any art lover. The country boasts of art museums and galleries that display surrealism, classical masterpieces among others, works of legendary artists. No matter if you are going to visit Brussels, Ghent or Antwerp to enjoy the art, the main art establishments of Belgium offer unbelievable experience for every art lover. However, as you prepare for this cultural experience, ensure that if you are from outside the European Union or Schengen Area you get a Belgium Visa.
It is necessary to get a Belgium visa in order to have a successful visit to this amazing country. The visa requirements for entering Belgium vary depending on the nationality of a traveler: he or she might need either Schengen visa or the national one. It is necessary to know the main rules concerning the visa application, as well as documents required and the time it takes for a visa application. After getting your Belgium visa you are set for art tours, city view, and the best artwork that makes Belgium art hub in Europe.
Below are the top 8 art museums and galleries in Belgium that you should not miss to visit when on your tour.
1. This work is in the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium in Brussels.
Situated in the city centre of Brussels, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium is an ideal place for those, who expect more from the art of the country. The museum complex consists of four different museums, the Museum of Ancient Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Meunier Museum, and Wiertz Museum. These collections include masterpieces by artists such as Ruben, Van Dyck and the modern master René Magritte. This museum also contains a huge portion of contemporary art which presents the development of art in Belgium from the 19th century to the present.
Why Visit: It is the biggest and one of the most significant collections of art in Belgium and as such provides a wide and perhaps one of the best views of art history as well as contemporary art.
2. Musée Magritte Museum, Belgium
Located in Brussels, the Musée Magritte Museum is among the most famous art museums with a focus on the surrealist master’s work. This museum is situated close to the Royal Museums of Fine Arts and it exhibits more than 200 pieces of Magritte’s work, painted works, sketches and sculptures. Tourists can discover the works of the greatest surrealist artist who influenced this style of art making.
Why Visit: For those, who are interested in surrealism, the Musée Magritte Museum is the best place to see the art pieces which distort reality.
3. Museum of Fine Arts, Ghent
The Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent or MSK Ghent is one of the oldest art museums in Belgium and it boasts a rich collection of artworks from Medieval times up to the twentieth century. This is in addition to works by Jan van Eyck, Herman de Vries and James Ensor. The core collection of the museum is presented in Flemish Primitives and other classical paintings as well as modern and contemporary art directions.
Why Visit: Among others, Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent can be recommended as symbolizing the best combination of the ancient and the modern, the emphasis is made on the Flemish art.
4. Museum of Fine Arts of Antwerp
The Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp is another diamond in the crown of Belgium as far as art is concerned. The following is a large museum that contains a large number of paintings, sculptures and decorative art. It houses masterpieces of famous painters like Peter Paul Rubens, Anthony van Dyck, and Jacob Jordaens. The museum is currently under construction but is still a must see for any lover of classical art.
Why Visit: The Royal Museum of Fine Art in Antwerp is ideal for art lovers who want to see great Baroque art, primarily by Flemish artists.
5. Museum of Contemporary Art (SMAK), Ghent
If modern art is not your cup of tea, then perhaps SMAK (Stedelijk Museum voor Actuele Kunst) in Ghent is the museum you should not miss. The museum displays a great collection of modern and contemporary art pieces from local and international artists. There is always a temporary exhibition, but a visitor is always likely to be exposed to modern pieces in painting, sculpture, photography, and even multimedia art.
Why Visit: This is the place where one can find out all about the contemporary art and the trends that the art world presents to society.
6. Bozar Centre for Fine Arts in Brussels
Bozar (Palais des Beaux-Arts) is a lively center of contemporary culture in Brussels which not only hosts a vast number of art galleries but also hosts concerts, theater, and dance productions. This area is for displaying paintings, sculptures, photographs, and any other art form – be it classical or contemporary – permanent or temporary, by Belgian or foreign artists.
Why Visit: Bozar is perfect for people who enjoy both visual art but also would like to get a taste of a variety of cultural performances.
7. Musée des Beaux-Arts, Liège
Located in Liège, this museum contains a large number of artistic pieces, especially paintings, from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The collection contains artwork of Goya, Delacroix, Courbet and Jordaens. There are also works of Belgian artists and a diverse number of sculptures, drawings, and prints so the museum is great for getting an overview of the art of Europe.
Why Visit: This museum is ideal for art lovers who would like to be offered a wide ranging an extensive collection of European art pieces.
8. The Antoine Wiertz Museum is found in Brussels.
Little is known to the general public but well worth visiting, this gallery is also devoted to the works of the famous 19th-century Belgian painter Antoine Wiertz, whose art is a brilliant combination of romanticism and grotesque. This museum contains a number of monumental sculptures and offers a rather interesting insight into the rather unorthodox artist from Belgium.
Why Visit: As for visitors who appreciate rather bizarre, dramatic paintings which would have been created using both artistic skills and shocking intentions, the Antoine Wiertz Museum is worth a visit.
Conclusion
In this article, readers will discover a rich list of art museums and galleries in Belgium as well as learn about each place’s cultural significance. If it is the Baroque art of Antwerp or surrealism of Brussels or modern art of Ghent, there is always going to be something that will set your imagination racing. Make sure that you visit these 8 great art sites and get to know the rich and colorful world of Belgian art.