The 23rd edition of the Brussels Museums Nocturnes will be festively kicked off on Thursday 11 April from 5 pm at a vernissage in the centre of Brussels, with drinks and a concert. Afterwards, visit the exhibition “James Ensor. Inspired by Brussels” and discover how the city helped shape Ensor’s distinctive visual language. On the occasion of the Brussels Museums Nocturne, the exhibition will be open until 10 pm and you can join a guided tour, watch a behind-the-scenes printing demonstration or engrave a print yourself.

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On the programme

Guided tour “James Ensor made in Brussels”

Look beyond Ensor’s mask and discover how his visual language originated in bustling Brussels at the end of the 19th century. A guide shows you around and tells you everything about Ensor’s study drawings at the art academy, his first masterpieces and the salons of the artists’ group “Les XX”. 

• NL: 5.30 – 6.30 pm (fully booked)
• FR: 6.30 – 7.30 pm (fully booked)
• EN: 7.30 – 8.30 pm (fully booked)

Behind the scenes: Engraving demonstration of prints

Discover the art of printing at the Chalcography with a collection of more than 9.000 ancient and modern engraved plates. 

• FR: 5.30 – 6.30 pm
• NL: 6.30 – 7.30 pm
• EN: 7.30 – 8.30 pm (fully booked)

Workshop intaglio printmaking

During this workshop, you will learn to make a drypoint just like James Ensor did. By means of an etching needle, you will scratch a drawing into a beverage carton. Get ready to make your hands dirty for the inking. The engraving will then be put under the printing press which will result in a new masterpiece! 

• Continuous: 6 – 9 pm

Tickets

• Standard rate: € 6
• Youth fare (under 26): € 3

The museumPASSmusées is not valid during the nocturne.