BRUSSLES, BELGIUM.- On the occasion of the 175th anniversary of Belgium, the exhibition Romanticism in Brussels is presented at three locations in Brussels: Royal Museums of Fine Arts in Belgium, ING Cultural Centre, and Antoine Wiertz Museum, on view through July 31, 2005. After a far too long hibernation, the time has now come to draw attention to a rather neglected period of the Belgian history of art, a period usually described as being that of Romanticism. This exhibition, celebrating Belgium’s 175th anniversary, is focusing on art which developed itself during the reign of Leopold I (1831-1865). A fascinating period thus, during which all kinds of new trends suddenly emerged as seeds shooting up in a conservatory.

Conceived as a whole, the exhibition is simultaneously held in three different places. The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium (MRBAB) are essentially showing paintings, whereas the ING Cultural Centre, at the Place Royale, is displaying drawings and sculptures. Finally, every lover of Romanticism will want to view the Antoine Wiertz Museum, a place unique in Brussels where time has seemingly stood still.