The best event venues in Brussels - according to a graphic recorder
After 12 years of attending events for a living as a graphic recorder and live illustrator, I’ve seen my fare share of event venues in Brussels. In general, I think Brussels is an excellent place to organise an event, there are so many different locations, with different styles, vibes and extras, that it might sometimes be even hard to choose.
The venues that I like the most are very good at these three things:
they have great natural light,
an easy transition between different rooms,
and are easy to get to.
So here is a list of my favourite event spaces, and also why I like them.
1. SPARKS Meeting
This is a great venue for a large meeting. There is an auditorium and also several smaller meeting rooms, and each of them have their own distinct design features. There is also great food if you need that!
Why I like it:
Excellent location
Modern and varied interior design
Funky floor marks to show you where you need to go
2. BE HERE
This is a great an versatile venue where I have attended a silent conference, which was a great experience. It hosts several small shops and eateries, all of which focus on local and sustainably produced food and beverages. The building itself is an industrial building built in an art deco style and it has been beautifully renovated.
Why I like it:
Great natural light
Large space but you don’t feel lost
A place with a mission
3. Comet Meeting Louise
It feels as though the people who have designed this space know everything about events. There is a great breakfast option, all kinds of different meetings rooms, a nicely designed staircase that encourages you to go up and up, and a terrace with a wonderful view of Brussels on the top floor.
Why I like it:
Fun, friendly design
Great view from the top
Everything feels just right
4. Maison de la Poste
This place has a long history. Originally built to be the administration centre of Tour & Taxis, it h as recently been turned into a beautiful event venue. It has been nicely renovated showing off some great Art Deco and Art Nouveau features.
Why I like it:
Beautiful building with long history
Great natural light, high ceilings
Special charm
5. Museum of Natural Sciences
I absolutely love this museum, and the fact that one can rent it for events is so cool! There is just something really special about walking among dinosaur skeletons while the museum is almost empty, as if on a private tour. Event though there isn’t a ton of natural light and sometimes it’s hard to find where I’m going, this is still hands down one of my favourite venues.
Why I like it:
Walking among dinosaurs is unbeatable
You are in a natural science museum, come on!
Have I mentioned dinosaurs…
6. Atelier des Tanneurs
This is a great historical venue, built in the Art Nouveau style. It use to house a wine seller called le Palais du Vin and also a department store. In 2005 it’s been turned into an event venue with lost of space and different options for different needs.
Why I like it:
Large venue but still feels cozy
A beautiful building renovated in good style
Great location
7. BEL Brussels
When I was there, I wished that all building were like this, designed with the highest energy standards in mind. The space has been designed to be easy to navigate and the auditorium has a fun and energetic vibe to it.
Why I like it:
Passive energy building
Super modern design
Lots of natural light
8. Mundo Madou
Part of the Mundo office buildings, Mundo Madou is a nice hidden gem. You can’t quite see it from Avenue des Arts but once you go in, it feels like a hidden oasis. The building is eco-designed and eco-managed, so if those values are important to you. This is a great place to organise an event.
Why I like it:
Great, friendly architecture
It’s great to be in a place where eco-design was top of mind
Very human-focused
9. Ambiorix Center
Housed in a beautiful maison de maître, this place offers a beautiful modular space for small and cozy gatherings and also bigger events. The high ceilings and great architecture make this an ideal event space.
Why I like it:
Great location, just next to Ambiorix park
Great natural light, high ceilings
Little garden in the back
+1. ACE Events
Full disclosure, I haven’t been here yet but the pictures that I’ve seen look awesome and the location is top notch, just off to Schuman.
++1. Blankspace
Same as above, I haven’t been there yet but would love to visit.
If you have found the perfect venue for your event, you might want to add some graphic recording to engage and delight your audience with visuals. If so, feel free to get in touch.