The Musée d’Ixelles at the Crossroads of Different Perspectives

The Musée d’Ixelles in Brussels, closed for eight years for expansion and renovation, is nearing completion of its architectural transformation with a reopening scheduled for spring 2027 (March 19). Founded in 1892 in a former slaughterhouse, the museum has grown through successive donations and a continuous acquisition policy, now holding over 15,000 works spanning Belgian art from the 19th century to the contemporary period. Director and curator Claire Leblanc, who has led the institution since 2006, emphasizes a participatory approach that integrates diverse public perspectives, including a project called "Musée comme chez soi" during the closure where locals hosted artworks in their homes.

This matters because the museum is rethinking its relationship with audiences at a time of societal change, aiming to balance curatorial expertise with community engagement. By involving mediation services from the outset and inviting diverse cultural profiles to help shape inaugural exhibitions, the Musée d’Ixelles is positioning itself as a model for inclusive, participatory museum practice. The reopening will test whether this collaborative vision can attract and retain visitors—previously around 100,000 annually—while addressing contemporary expectations of art institutions.