Bright Festival returns to illuminate Brussels

The eighth edition of Bright Festival kicks off on Thursday evening, transforming Brussels into a dazzling display of light and art.

Over four nights, more than 20 light installations will illuminate the European and Royal quarters, accompanied by live performances, guided tours and interactive experiences. Light artists from around the world will reimagine the city’s spaces.

One of the festival’s standout features is an immersive audiovisual experience centred on De Menselijke Driften (Human Passions), a masterpiece sculpted by Jef Lambeaux in 1886.

This dramatic work, carved from Carrara marble, is housed in a neoclassical pavilion designed by Victor Horta, an architectural gem rarely open to the public. During Bright Brussels, visitors will have a unique opportunity to see the sculpture in a new light, brought to life through an innovative light and sound installation by Brussels-based artist Antoine Goldschmidt.

Brussels Park will host HORIZONS², a striking installation featuring a flowing strip of radiant, shifting light. This luminous spectacle evokes the vastness and movement of natural landscapes, with colours and musical tones merging in a dynamic, ever-changing display.

The work follows the curves of the park’s central fountain, creating a mesmerising fusion of light and space that captures the essence of nature’s beauty.

Returning for its fourth edition, the Bright Market will once again take over Cinquantenaire Park. Visitors can browse hundreds of vintage lights or have their own lights repaired for free. The market offers a sustainable approach to lighting design, showcasing refurbished and upcycled pieces.

Spotlight on Art Deco

As Brussels prepares to celebrate 2025 as the Year of Art Deco - marking a century since the birth of this influential architectural style the festival also highlights the city's rich design heritage.

Following the success of the Art Nouveau year, museums, cultural centres and scientific institutions will host a range of activities throughout the year, exploring Brussels' architectural legacy.

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Bright Festival runs from 13 to 16 February, with installations each evening from 18.30 to 23.00. Maps are available to download from the website

^{​A photograph from Bright Festival 2024 © PHOTO VISIT.BRUSSELS}

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