Bozar celebrates successful year with 20 per cent increase in visitor numbers
The Brussels Palace of Fine Arts, Bozar, can look back on an exceptionally successful year, recording a 20 per cent increase in visitors compared with 2024. In total, around 750,000 people attended 820 events, Bozar reported on Monday.
With the exhibitions John Baldessari and Goya and Spanish Realism still under way and continuing to attract large audiences, Bozar expressed strong satisfaction with last year’s visitor figures. The growth in attendance is partly attributed to the renewed artistic and strategic vision introduced by director Christophe Slagmuylder, who has led the institution since 2023.
The public is confirming the relevance of our programme
“The public appears to be seeking meaning and spaces for dialogue, where it can listen to the major voices of our time. It is incredibly motivating to see Bozar develop into an important meeting place,” Slagmuylder said. “With this 20 per cent increase in visitors, the public is confirming the relevance of our programme.”
In 2025, Bozar welcomed 749,518 visitors, up from 625,840 the previous year. More than half of these visitors came to Brussels to attend one of the nine exhibitions held at the Palace of Fine Arts. A further 228,713 people attended one of the 200 Bozar concerts, while nearly 50,000 took part in 47 external events hosted in the building. During the summer months, 29,750 visitors also enjoyed the Bozar Rooftop.
Bozar aims to remain “a living house” in the coming year, further strengthening its role as a place of encounter and exchange, in close collaboration with artists, partners, staff and audiences. Highlights of the forthcoming programme include a visit by Singaporean artist Ho Tzu Nyen, as well as Bellezza e Bruttezza, an exhibition exploring concepts of beauty and ugliness during the Renaissance.
'When We See Us' exhibition (07/02-10/08/25) at Bozar. © BELGA PHOTO MORGANE BERGER