**What’s cooler than an art museum named after a beer? The combination of awesome contemporary art and a great panoramic view of Brussels! **
Brussels knows how to do art. With numerous art exhibitions around the city, there’s no limit to the artsy fartsy feeling they have to offer. But it wasn’t always this way - back in 2003, the city felt there was a need for a contemporary arts center. From there, WIELS was born!
A New Kind of Contemporary Art Space
WIELS is no typical museum, or a place of fine arts. WIELS calls themselves an “innovative and contemporary venue” and we’d say that’s pretty accurate. What exactly does that mean? Basically, you’ll find contemporary art for all here. That means no permanent exhibits, so you always get a unique experience when you visit. All kinds of artists get temporary exhibits here from the up and coming locals to well-known international artists. You never know what you’ll get next.
There are three floors to explore, with usually one or two exhibitions at a time. Some of the past exhibits include absurd political paintings in The Ultimate Kiss by Dutch artist Jacqueline de Jong, and Regenerate: a group of Belgian artists coming together to highlight how the pandemic has affected human society.
The Bloome Building
Did you know? Wiels also goes by the name Bloome building or Wielemans Tower, because of its location in the old Wielemans-Ceuppens brewery - dating back to 1930! It’s been renovated since, but you can still see traces of its original purpose from the massive brewing hall in the entrance with copper vats. Now the area has been turned into a cafeteria and bookshop, where visitors can grab a coffee, beer, or brunch while skimming through the impressive art book collection.
Family Funday at WIELS
Art is for the kids, too! Every first Sunday of the month, WIELS offers a guided tour to take kids and their parents around the new exhibitions in the museum. You can discover all the ins and outs of the current art pieces in a fun, creative way for the entire family!
Tips and Tricks
- You can book a guided tour with one of the art historians to get a more in depth look at the particular exhibit, or about the history and architecture of the building. Contact [email protected] to arrange a guided tour.
- Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month the museum stays open until 21:00, giving you even more time to explore the exhibitions.
- Roof terrace! If there’s one thing we love, it’s a rooftop terrace with a great view. Wiels delivers, and you can visit their terrace for free during opening hours. Make sure you snap some great pics of the 360 degree view of the European capital!
- Save that money! Score on discounts when you book your tickets with the Brussels Card: with 24, 48, or 72 hours of discounts!
Getting There By Car: Exit 17 “Anderlecht Industrie”, follow “Centre - Albert”; there’s a parking lot behind the building By Public Transport: Tram 82 & 97, Bus 50 & 59 By Bike: A Villo! A bike renting station is across the street (Station nr. 223)
T to Su, 11:00 to 18:00
All seasons
10€, discounted rates available.
Open; follows national COVID regulations.
Book a nearby experience
The building itself is worth the visit, sticking out in the middle of the road of South Brussels. I really liked the Modern Subjects, Chapter Zero exhibit that was going on during my visit. Make sure you make it up to the rooftop, the view is absolutely worth it!
— An American expat abroad