Festival of Light 2020 to Illuminate Brussels 13-16 February

From 13 to 16 February, Brussels will be illuminated thanks to Bright Brussels, Festival of Light 2020. During the festival, you can admire the many monumental and artistic light installations. This new edition offers a completely new route and many surprises.

The brand-new route will pass by the Halle Gate, the Marolles, the Sablon and the Royal quarter. Visitors will discover the work of major Belgian and international artists. The artworks along the route are accompanied by light shows, video mappings and captivating interactive installations.

Throughout the festival, guided tours of the light installations and the neighbourhoods through which they pass are offered free of charge; and this year Bright Brussels is offering a host of extra fun activities as well:

Lantern Ball

On Place d’Espagne/Spanjeplein, in the heart of the city centre, a Lantern Ball will have visitors dancing under a sky filled with thousands of lanterns. The statue of Don Quixote, which dominates the square, will be magnificently lit for the occasion. Everyone is welcome to join in the party or have a drink.

Meeting point: Place d’Espagne/ Spanjeplein, from Thursday 13 to Sunday 16 February from 19:00 until 23:00.

Bright Bike Parade

Also new this year is the illuminated bike parade, in collaboration with Pro Velo. On Thursday 13 February, the Bright Bike Parade will weave its way through a dozen installations and light shows between Halle Gate, the Marolles, the Sablon and the Mont des Arts, culminating in style at the Lantern Ball on Place d’Espagne.

Meeting point: The pedestrian area of rue Marché aux Herbes/ Grasmarkt, Thursday 13 February at 18:15.

Panorama by night

Climb the 169 steps of the Halle Gate, and enjoy the most beautiful panoramic view of Brussels illuminated during Bright Brussels. Plunge into the 16th century thanks to virtual binoculars that show you the city as Pieter Bruegel the Elder would have seen it. Round off the experience under the museum’s magnificent roof with a glass of Pier den Drol, Bruegel’s new beer.

Meeting point: Halle Gate, Saturday 15 February until 23:00 (€4)

This year, Bright Brussels offers numerous collaborations:

Claude Monet, The Immersive Experience

Have you ever dreamed of being inside a painting? The Monet: The Immersive Experience exhibition makes it possible! As part of Bright Brussels, the organisers offer you a 5-minute preview, and you will leave with a discount coupon for the whole experience.

Meeting point: Horta Gallery, rue Marché aux Herbes/Grasmarkt, Thursday 13 February to Sunday 16 February from 19:00 until 23:00.

Los Pajaros de Colombia

As part of a collaboration with the Embassy of Colombia, a work by Colombian artists Sergio Mantilla and Miguel Chaparro will be presented on Square J. Jacob. The work “Los pájaros de Colombia” addresses the theme of the biodiversity of Colombian fauna and its ecosystem and the importance of protecting our planet. Colombia is one of the richest countries in terms of biodiversity and is one of the most varied and exciting birdwatching destinations in the world.

Meeting point: Square J. Jacobsplein, Thursday 13 February to Sunday 16 February from 19:00 until 23:00.

A2C5T

See U joins the festival with a luminous work of art from the ACTLD studio. A2C5T is a new experience of temporary light art inspired by the fundamental values of Art, Concept and Technology. These three values are translated within the installation into three interlocking works of art that lead to an inspiring immersive experience.

Meeting point: See U, Rue Fritz Toussaintstraat from Thursday 13 to Sunday 16 February from 17:00 until 23:00.

Discover the whole route at www.bright.brussels