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Brussels: Where heritage meets nature
This year, Brussels is creating something special by building a unique bridge between two major events: the Heritage Days and Renature Time.
Under the theme “urban landscapes”, the Heritage Days invite you to rediscover the history of our city through its landscapes: built, social and natural. A natural dialogue emerges with Renature Time, which extends this exploration by revealing the City‑Nature through the lens of biodiversity, habitats and the species that inhabit them.
Some activities sit at the crossroads of both programmes. Look out for the “Renature Time label” to identify them and create your own nature‑focused itinerary!
A two‑part calendar
- The joint launch: both events kick off at the same time for a fully immersive experience.
- Heritage Days (19–20 September): a deep dive into Brussels’ heritage, including its living and natural heritage.
- Renature Time (until 18 October): continue the adventure! Explore the city through the lens of biodiversity, discover hidden habitats and take action to help expand the City‑Nature.
Join us from the very beginning for a unique combined experience where stone and the living world come together to tell a single story.
Click this link to find out more about Renature Time:
https://environnement.brussels/renature-time
Urban Zoom Schools
Since 1998, Urban has been inviting pupils from Brussels schools to explore their city through a photography competition that has become a key event.
This project is open to all secondary schools, regardless whether they are offering general education or belong to the technical/vocational stream. It offers pupils the chance to rediscover their environment from a new perspective. Their mission? Exploring the city, observing, take in its contours, contrasts and atmospheres… and then capture these elements in images. From historic heritage to contemporary architecture, from parks to quiet alleyways, via bustling squares, urban details or nods to the local folklore, Brussels reveals itself through their lenses.
This year, 22 schools took part in the adventure, and between them, they submitted more than 850 photos. Such a wealth of perspectives made the selection process particularly difficult for the jury, which was tasked with choosing 20 photographs from this wide range of viewpoints.
The outcome? A varied and inspiring selection, reflecting the creativity and sensibility of Brussels youngsters. Unique viewpoints, unexpected perspectives… and, above all, a wealth of talent.
Discover the 20 favourite photographs from the 2026 edition until August 23rd in Urban's display windows.Postcards are available at Urban's reception!
Résister, Réinventer, Raviver
In 2026, Brussels also received special European recognition: Résister, Réinventer, Raviver, a project centred on Le BRASS in Forest, was selected for the European Heritage Days Stories Grant Scheme, a joint initiative of the Council of Europe and the European Union. Bringing together industrial heritage, living memories, artistic creation and the biodiversity of the Marais Wiels, the project demonstrates how heritage can contribute to a more resilient and sustainable future.
# EUInMyRegion
As part of the #EUInMyRegion campaign, launched by the European Commission (DG REGIO) in close cooperation with the ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) Directorate of the Brussels Regional Public Service, a programme of free #EUInMyRegion activities will take place throughout September and October.
The aim is to show Brussels residents how the European Union and the Brussels-Capital Region are making tangible investments in their city. These projects support key priorities such as innovation, the energy transition, sustainable development, entrepreneurship and social cohesion.
This year, the #EUInMyRegion campaign joins forces with the Heritage Days 2026. Several sites and projects open to the public during the event have benefited from ERDF funding and can easily be identified by the #EUInMyRegion label.
Palette: Experimenting with neighbourhood supply chains together
How does food end up on our plates and everyday goods in our homes? Behind these seemingly ordinary routines lies a complex network of logistics and supply chains that often remains invisible.
Starting from Brussels' Marolles district, Palette sheds light on this hidden system. Developed by City Mine(d) together with local residents, shopkeepers, schools, care organisations and logistics partners, the project explores how urban supply systems work today and how they could be organised differently.
The exhibition reveals striking contrasts – from trucks transporting mostly empty space to local products travelling around the world before reaching Brussels – while also showcasing inspiring local initiatives and creative neighbourhood solutions.
Seven display windows illustrate these sometimes surprising, sometimes hopeful realities. An interactive marble machine invites visitors to discover how their own daily choices influence the logistics system, while the online inspiration catalogue presents practical examples of more sustainable neighbourhood supply chains.
Rather than simply raising awareness, Palette aims to inspire action by developing and testing concrete local initiatives together with the community, such as collecting used cooking oil and transforming it into biodiesel.
Practical information
- Display windows: 17 July – 30 September 2026, Kunstberg/Mont des Arts 20, Urban Lab (urban.brussels) – free access.
- Interactive marble machine: until 30 September 2026, Hoogstraat/Rue Haute 303 – by appointment via palette@citymined.org.
- Inspiration catalogue: www.palette.re.
Matrimony Days
On 26, 27 and 28 September, the 8th edition of the Matrimonium Days will take place throughout Brussels and at the Bruegel Cultural Centre, the event’s home base.
'Matrimony' refers to a tangible or intangible asset of historic or artistic significance passed down by women.
Every year, the Matrimony Days offer about thirty free activities, including lectures, workshops, guided tours and activities for all ages.
The 8th edition of the Matrimonium Days (organised since 2019) shines a spotlight on women who have never stepped out of the shadows: lacemakers, workers, archivists, curators, artists erased from history books… In short, all those women who have shaped our heritage without ever being recognised for it. Highlights of this edition include a special programme dedicated to the Art Deco Year, the exceptional public opening of two private houses, inclusive events with bilingual activities and LSFB interpreters, as well as family-friendly activities.
Organisation: L'architecture qui dégenre
Folklorissimo
Brussels Folklore Festival
→ 19 – 20 September from 12 pm to 8 pm – Grand-Place 1000 Brussels
The Folklore Festival (under the name Folklorissimo) offers a wide range of activities to immerse yourself in Brussels’ and international heritage, in the area around the Grand-Place and at the Manneken-Pis statue. On the programme: dance performances, entertainment, a participatory choir, a parade of giants, brass bands, a barrel organ, a folkloric race, crossbow shooting (on Saturday), …
On site: drinks and culinary specialties to enjoy.
Commissioned by urban.brussels, the non-profit Palais de Charles Quint will put the spotlight on intangible cultural heritage, folklore and Brussels traditions, which can be discovered around the Grand-Place, in several municipalities of the Region during the Heritage Days, and all year round.
More Info: https://www.brussels.be/folklorissimo