The European Parliament will open to the public during the Heritage Days in Brussels on Sept. 14 and 15, 2019. (Courtesy Photo)

Heritage Days continue in Brussels and The Netherlands on Sept. 14 and 15

CHIÈVRES, Belgium --The next edition of Heritage Days will take place Sept. 14 15 in the Brussels Capital Region. This year, the theme is “A Place for Art”. Walking and bicycle tours, bus excursions and exhibitions will take visitors throughout the region.

Heritage Days are perfect occasions to discover Brussels from a new perspective. In addition to visiting the cultural sites, almost 100 activities are scheduled throughout the region.

Here are a few places you can visit in the area:

The Théâtre Royal du Parc (Visit)

Location: Rue de la Loi, 3

Hours: Sept. 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Théâtre Royal du Parc was built in 1782. It was designed by architect Louis Montoyer who was also involved in the construction of Laeken Palace. The auditorium, in red and gold, was decorated in Louis XVI style, and featured caryatids, laurel wreaths, medallions, scrolls and floral motifs.

In 1869, comic drama proper made its appearance at the theater, with comic opera and operetta also proving highly popular at this time. Ten years later, with actresses such as Réjane and Sarah Bernhardt, the Théâtre du Parc turned another corner and become the most sophisticated, eclectic and well-attended theater in Brussels.

Note: Visitors will only have access to the auditorium.

The Sculptural Decoration of the Botanical Gardens (Walking Tour)

Location: Starting point at the top of the park access ramp (tram stop) on Rue Royale in Saint-Josse-ten-Noode

Hours: Sept. 14 and 15 at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. (French), and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. (Dutch)

Duration: 1 hour

The collection of bronze sculptures in the botanical gardens, a veritable open-air museum, was one of the largest programs of public sculpture in the late 19th century. The themes selected are connected with nature, wildlife and plants. Allegories depict the seasons, time, flowers and plants while trees are associated with the virtues. The animal sculptures constitute the first major group of its kind created in Belgium.

Bookings are preferred. Call +32(0)2.410.9950 or email reservation@lafonderie.be.

The 9 Arts (Bus Tour)

Location: Starting point in front of the National Bank of Belgium on Boulevard de Berlaimont, 3

Hours: Sept. 14 at 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Duration: 1.5 hours

Set off on a bus tour to discover nine places representative of Brussels’ cultural life. Each location illustrates one of the nine artistic disciplines: architecture, sculpture, painting, music, literature, theater, cinema, photography and comic books. Each space was imagined and designed to represent its art and cater to the public, students and professionals. Don’t miss this cultural experience! Bookings are essential. Call +32(0)2.537.6875.

Brussels in Comic Strips (Conference Walking Tour)

Location: Place Saint-Gery, 23

Hours: Sept. 14 and 15 at 10 a.m. (French) and at 2 p.m. (Dutch)

Duration: 2 hours

On walls, in metro stations, at the Belgian Comic Strip Center, on statues, in shops or in youth hostels, comic strips are everywhere. Brussels is the comic strip capital of the world!

Celebrating Belgian Comic Strip Center’s 30th birthday, this conference walking tour will offer a unique take on comics and Brussels: a conference during which people are invited on a virtual walking tour along the sites of Ninth Art in Brussels.

Visitors will set off on the hunt for the many references to Brussels that appear in comic strips, will get to know the authors better and will finish up in style with a quiz and a chance to win a prize!

Bookings are essential. Call +32(0)499.21.39.85 or e-mail info@e-guides.be.

For more information about all the other Heritage Days activities, click HERE.

European Parliament (Visit)

Location: Rue Wiertz, 60

Hours: Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Last admission at 5 p.m.)

The enormous glass ocean liner, that houses the European Parliament, is situated in the Leopold Quarter in Brussels, behind the old station on Place du Luxembourg. It consists of a central section with a rounded dome on its roof, better known as “Caprice des Dieux” which houses a debating chamber of 850 seats. The Parliament’s art collection was established in 1980 on the initiative of its first president Simone Veil. After nearly 40 years, the collection now consists of 600 works of art from the various member states, particularly from the studios of up-and-coming artists.

THE NETHERLANDS

The “Open Monumentendag” or National Heritage Days are held every year in The Netherlands. Thousands of historical buildings and sites will open their doors to the public.

Many locations also organize on-site activities like exhibitions, music and guided tours. Almost every Dutch monument is open to the public, free of charge, this weekend.

Notably, visitors can go to the top of the St. Urbanus church tower in Nes ann de Amstel on Sept. 15 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entry is €2. They can also discover a lighthouse during a guided tour in Hellevoetsluis on Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, click HERE.

Story by Christophe Morel, USAG Benelux Public Affairs