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Exploring the Off-the-Beaten-Path in Brussels

On the afternoon of my arrival in Brussels, I headed straight to CIVA and spent the entire afternoon there. This place has it all: a bookstore, exhibitions, teaching activities, a library, and a terrace where you can linger for a long time (plus Vestiaire with restrooms, water fountains, and charging stations – super backpacker-friendly, so bonus points all around! 🎒🚰🔌) CIVA currently has two exhibitions. The one on the first floor is about the modern transformation of Brussels. You can see some ideas from the last century, unfinished project plans, including the Nord-Midi junction, the Manhattan plan for the northern district, and the Antwerp city expansion plan. 🏙️📐 The exhibition on the third floor, “8-14 Framework,” is even more extensive, covering the development and evolution of architectural styles in Brussels and the world, spanning a long timeline from the Middle Ages to the present. What impressed me the most was the discussion on the influence of Art Nouveau and Art Deco in Belgian architecture – how to integrate natural forms and curves, and a renewed focus on ancient civilizations and geometric shapes. 🌿🎨 Especially since Brussels is one of the centers of Art Nouveau, there are many buildings and interior designs in this style. My overall impression of Brussels is a bit classical, a bit quirky, with a subtle yet palpable sense of ferment and whimsy. 🏰🌟 After visiting CIVA, I only went to two museums in Brussels this time: Museum Horta and Villa Empain, representing Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles, respectively. The second one is quite far; if you’re on a one-day schedule, it’s more efficient to go in the order of Villa Empain - Museum Horta - Civa, but if you have more time, it’s better to start with CIVA for a more immersive and interactive experience. 🕰️🚶‍♂️ Afterward, you can have dinner at Nüetnigenough. This restaurant is somewhat inspired by Art Nouveau in its interior decoration, beautiful and with great food. There’s a wide selection of dishes and even more choices of drinks, with what feels like a hundred options, mostly beers. And! They have Andouillette, which lovers of offal definitely should not miss. 🍽️🥃 #EuropeanBackpacker #Brussels #HiddenGemsKnownOnlyToLocal #ModernArt #BrusselsFood #BrusselsTravelGuide #BelgiumTravel #ArchitecturalAesthetics #ArchitecturalDesign #ArchitecturalSketches #EuropeanTravel

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Exploring the Off-the-Beaten-Path in Brussels

On the afternoon of my arrival in Brussels, I headed straight to CIVA and spent the entire afternoon there. This place has it all: a bookstore, exhibitions, teaching activities, a library, and a terrace where you can linger for a long time (plus Vestiaire with restrooms, water fountains, and charging stations – super backpacker-friendly, so bonus points all around! 🎒🚰🔌) CIVA currently has two exhibitions. The one on the first floor is about the modern transformation of Brussels. You can see some ideas from the last century, unfinished project plans, including the Nord-Midi junction, the Manhattan plan for the northern district, and the Antwerp city expansion plan. 🏙️📐 The exhibition on the third floor, “8-14 Framework,” is even more extensive, covering the development and evolution of architectural styles in Brussels and the world, spanning a long timeline from the Middle Ages to the present. What impressed me the most was the discussion on the influence of Art Nouveau and Art Deco in Belgian architecture – how to integrate natural forms and curves, and a renewed focus on ancient civilizations and geometric shapes. 🌿🎨 Especially since Brussels is one of the centers of Art Nouveau, there are many buildings and interior designs in this style. My overall impression of Brussels is a bit classical, a bit quirky, with a subtle yet palpable sense of ferment and whimsy. 🏰🌟 After visiting CIVA, I only went to two museums in Brussels this time: Museum Horta and Villa Empain, representing Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles, respectively. The second one is quite far; if you’re on a one-day schedule, it’s more efficient to go in the order of Villa Empain - Museum Horta - Civa, but if you have more time, it’s better to start with CIVA for a more immersive and interactive experience. 🕰️🚶‍♂️ Afterward, you can have dinner at Nüetnigenough. This restaurant is somewhat inspired by Art Nouveau in its interior decoration, beautiful and with great food. There’s a wide selection of dishes and even more choices of drinks, with what feels like a hundred options, mostly beers. And! They have Andouillette, which lovers of offal definitely should not miss. 🍽️🥃 #EuropeanBackpacker #Brussels #HiddenGemsKnownOnlyToLocal #ModernArt #BrusselsFood #BrusselsTravelGuide #BelgiumTravel #ArchitecturalAesthetics #ArchitecturalDesign #ArchitecturalSketches #EuropeanTravel

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