The Royal Library of Belgium’s museum in Brussels, closed for a year and a half due to renovations, will mark its reopening with a weekend devoted to music on 23-25 May..
The celebration will feature a variety of workshops, lectures, and concerts that immerse visitors in the polyphonic music and culture of the 15th and 16th centuries.
The museum is renowned for its extensive collection amassed under the Dukes of Burgundy, who ruled the Low Countries during the 14th and 15th centuries, preserving numerous manuscripts and musical works.
In honour of this heritage, medieval music will be a focal point of the reopening festivities.
The weekend kicks off on the evening of Friday 23 May with a late-medieval polyphonic concert following the initial museum tours.
Saturday 24 May will begin with guided tours and a brunch at Restaurant Albert. Throughout the day, the museum will host events focusing on medieval music and poetry from around the world, concluding with another concert at the Nassau Chapel.
On Sunday 25 May, the museum’s activities will be family-oriented, including a workshop on polyphonic singing for families. The day will also feature additional lectures, singing, and dance performances.
For those wishing to further explore medieval culture, a medieval village will be open free of charge on 24-25 May near the museum. Organised by Den Troep, it will include workshops on arts such as calligraphy and basket weaving.
The complete programme can be found on the Royal Library of Belgium’s website.
