Imagine walking the suburbs of Brussels. Suddenly you see one solitary old street lantern that vaguely reminds you of some paintings you saw during your visit to the Magritte Museum. Then you spot a house with a doorbell that says ‘Magritte’. You ring it. Someone opens the door and lets you in.
Yes, you have entered the residence of René Magritte (1898-1967).
In this small house, Belgium’s most famous painter lived with his wife Georgette Berger between 1930 and 1954. They rented the ground floor. Their friends, a bunch of artists, often came over to discuss new surrealist ideas and aesthetics. In the small dining room René Magritte created over 800 works, half of his total artistic production - including a great number of his masterpieces.
The entire house was turned into a lovely little museum in 1999. This modest gem is a brilliant alternative to the immensely popular and crowded Magritte Museum in the city centre (read the Mont des Arts article). The restored rooms suck you into the artist's daily world. You will recognize many elements such as the staircase, windows, fireplace or closets which appear in Magritte’s paintings. Personal documents, photographs, letters, watercolors and some paintings draw you further into the artist’s life and mind.
René and Georgette did not have any children. But they were very fond of their dogs. They even stuffed one of them after its death. The white dog is lying on their bed, happily smiling. Ceci est un chien de Magritte.
Quite surreal, if you think about it.
Find your way with 294 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
A simple but still refined style characterizes this café, which at night becomes a warm wine bar with small plates to share.
by
Ziever’Art in Anderlecht is a buzzing, volunteer-run hub mixing art, fun, and community. From concerts to kids’ workshops - there’s always something happening!
by
I haven't yet been able to identify all the villages/churches marked on the small stone wall but I'm sure I will at some point!
by
The Perché rooftop bar is on top of the JAM hotel, which is why not many people wander up here, but it's so worth it! It has a great view and comfy chairs.
by
With an extravagant vintage decore, the bar takes its name from Queen Fabiola, a Spanish noblewoman who was a very beloved Queen consort of the Belgians.
by
With a cozy interior and a pleasant scent of toasted coffee beans, Caleo offers different options for brunch, from viennoiseries to delicious pancakes.
by
The name Nenu comes from the Vietnamese concept of “an nhau”, a style of drinking and eating culture, sharing small and large plates with friends & family.
by
The stars of the menu are the homemade fluffy pancakes - an explosion of flavors, which come in different flavors, including a tiramisu and matcha version.
by
If you come with a group, I suggest taking the “Moriawase” (Japanese for “assortment”), a larger plate that is easier to share and to try different things.
by
As a meat lover, I absolutely enjoyed the dishes based on Iberic pork, including the spare ribs and the Jiang Rou Bao, which literally melted in my mouth.
by
Peaking at my neighbors' plates, I decided to try the bass with garlic oil, ginger, and furikake, and the tartare de boeuf with pepper mousse and pickles on the side.
by
294 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 294 Insider Tips