Discover Benelux | Cultural attraction of the month | Belgium
C U LT U R A L AT T R A C T I O N O F T H E M O N T H , B E L G I U M
A new view at the BELvue TEXT: ANNA VILLELEGER | PHOTOS: BELVUE/PHILIPPE DE FORMANOIR
There have been some big changes at the BELvue Museum in Brussels, which last month unveiled its brand new permanent exhibition dedicated to Belgium. “We are not just talking about an update here. Everything is 100 per cent new,” enthuses museum communication manager Mathilde Oechsner. The museum previously presented Belgian history - from 1830 to present day - in chronological order. Around three years in the making, this new permanent exhibition has a completely different approach. Now, Belgium’s story is told through seven different themes, with one theme per room. These themes are democracy, prosperity, solidarity, pluralism, migration, language and Europe. The aim is to delve into the country and its history using contemporary issues as a starting point. By exploring themes from today’s viewpoint, visitors then learn more about the historical background. For example, in the migration room you can learn about the Belgians who moved to North America at the start of the 20th century, as well as seeing a representation 86 | Issue 32 | August 2016
of the many nationalities living in Belgium today on the wall of “super diversity”. In the corridors, visitors will discover an array of objects that represent the “material memory” of the country. These range from everyday items to great Belgian inventions and objects from the art and design world. “It is really important to us that visitors have an interactive, multimedia experience,” says Oechsner. There is plenty to see, listen to, and touch throughout the exhibition, and there are periscopes in every room. Tactility is key at this exhibition. A dedicated path has been put in place for blind visitors, and there are plenty of games and fun activities for small children not yet able to read. But the elements of tactility are not only in place for the little ones. “Even adults love that!” points out Oechsner. “The exhibition is accessible for all ages.” While the majority of visitors to the BELvue Museum are Belgian, 25 per cent come from abroad. The majority come from neighbouring countries. In light of this, the exhibition is presented in four languages (Dutch, French, German and English).
Whatever your nationality and existing knowledge of the country, a visit to the BELvue Museum will elevate your understanding far beyond the usual clichés. “In an hour and a half you will come away with a much deeper understanding of our country,” asserts Oechsner. “The idea is to help people understand Belgian society. This country is about much more than just fries, chocolate and beer!” www.belvue.be/en/belgium-and-its-history