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In Brussels the collection of the Museum of Ancient Art reads like a deluxe catalogue of the best 15th and 16th century paintings: Pieter Breughel, Roger de la Pasture, Petrus Christus, Dirk Bouts, Hans Memling, Hieronymous Bosch, Peter Paul Rubens and Anthony Van Dyck just to name a few. The Fall of Icarus, the Cencus of Bethlehem and the Fall of the Rebel Angels by Pieter Breughel are one of the most exhilarating art experiences ever. Right next door, The Museum of Modern Art pays tribute to Belgian icons such as Paul Delvaux, Felicien Rops, Rene Magritte, James Ensor and Jean Folon.
When in Ghent and Bruges: Not to be missed is the brothers Hubert and Jan Van Eyck’s most famous work, The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb inside St. Bavo Cathedral in Ghent as well as the works of Hans Memling at the Groeninge Museum in Bruges.
In the Meuse region the Mosan style, best represented by the works of Renier d’Huy, can be admired in the Church of St. Bartholomew in Liege. His most famous oeuvre, the baptismal font is a must on every visitors list. And so is the 13 th century work of Hugo d’Oignies. His remarkable reliquaries and medallions with filigree and leaf decorations can be seen in the convent of the Sisters of Notre Dame of Namur. When in Mons don’t miss the MAC, the museum of contemporary art housed in the former colliery of Grand Hornu.
Antwerp claims Peter Paul Rubens as its very own. Indeed the painter worked most of his life in Antwerp where his atelier and beautiful house are now a museum. An absolute must however are the triptychs in the Cathedral of our Lady.
Belgian architects Victor Horta, Paul Hankar and Henry van de Velde firmly established Brussels as a flourishing capital of Art Nouveau where more than 500 Art Nouveau buildings serve as homes, shops, restaurants and cafes.
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