Art & History Museum in Brussels to open 12 renovated rooms
The Art & History Museum in Brussels' Cinquantenaire Park will open 12 renovated rooms in October. The rooms feature 18th-century collections and works by indigenous peoples from Central and South America. Their layout and the presentation of the works have been reviewed, and some of the pieces have left the storerooms to be exhibited for the first time.
“Visitors will now have an up-to-date image of life in Europe in the 18th century and in America before the arrival of Europeans,” the museum said in a press release. “They will also notice that the boarded-up windows have been opened. This way, the original architecture has been given a new lease of life, and natural light once again fills the spaces.”
The renovation of three rooms dedicated to the 18th century is intended to reflect the socio-economic upheavals of the Age of Enlightenment. Several themes that guided the life of the period in a new zeitgeist were developed: nature, the state, religion, philosophy, science and technology.
In addition to the general European context of history and artistic styles, particular attention is also devoted to the situation in the Southern Low Countries and the Prince-Bishopric of Liège.
“As well as famous works, lesser-known works are also on display as a tribute to the many artists and craftsmen of these regions,” museum management said. “The ensemble includes sculptures, ceramics, glass, silverware, jewellery, lace and carpets.”
Central and South America
In the nine rooms devoted to the ancient cultural expressions of the indigenous peoples of Central and South America, the geographical, cultural and chronological overview has been retained as the backbone. The museum has one of the most important collections in Europe, and indeed the world, due to its sheer comprehensiveness.
The Olmecs, Mayans, Aztecs, Incas and many other ethnic groups are well represented. Lesser-known cultures, such as those of Costa Rica, Panama, the Caribbean, Colombia, Ecuador and Chile, are explained in greater detail in the updated exhibition.
Tintin fans will also once again be able to admire the statuette that served as a model for Hergé's album The Broken Ear, as well as a mummy that inspired him to create the character Rascar Capac in The Seven Crystal Balls.
The Art & History Museum in Brussels © PHOTO OLART FABIEN / HEMIS VIA AFP
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