Drawing Week Brussels is the city's premier event dedicated to contemporary drawing, held annually in late January at the historic Tour & Taxis site. For first-time visitors, the fair can feel overwhelming: 50+ galleries from across Europe, thousands of works on paper, and a packed schedule of talks, workshops, and guided tours. This guide breaks down exactly what to expect, from ticket prices and venue layout to the best strategies for your visit.
What Is Drawing Week Brussels?
Drawing Week Brussels is a five-day art fair (Wednesday through Sunday) that focuses exclusively on drawing in all its forms — from minimalist pencil sketches to large-scale ink installations. Founded in 2016, the fair has grown to host over 50 international galleries, attracting collectors, curators, and art lovers from across Europe. The event takes place at Tour & Taxis, a former customs warehouse turned cultural hub in the Laeken district of Brussels.
The fair is organized by the non-profit Drawing Week Brussels asbl, with the 2025 edition running from January 22 to January 26. For a complete overview, see our Complete Guide to Drawing Week Brussels.
Ticket Prices and How to Buy
Ticket prices for Drawing Week Brussels are structured to accommodate different visitor types. As of the 2025 edition:
- Standard adult ticket: €22 when purchased online in advance; €28 at the door.
- Reduced ticket (students, seniors 65+, job seekers): €15 online, €18 at the door.
- Children under 12: free.
- Two-day pass: €35 online only.
- Vernissage preview (Wednesday evening): €45, includes a drink and early access.
Tickets are sold exclusively through the official Drawing Week Brussels website. You can also add a catalogue (€15) or a guided tour (€10) during checkout. For step-by-step instructions, read our How to Buy Tickets guide.
Venue Layout and What to Bring
Tour & Taxis is a vast complex. Drawing Week Brussels occupies Hall 3, a 5,000-square-meter space with high ceilings and concrete floors. The fair is divided into three sections:
- Main Section: 40+ gallery booths arranged in a grid. Each booth is roughly 4x4 meters, with white walls and consistent lighting.
- Project Room: A dedicated space for large-scale installations and site-specific works. In 2025, it features a monumental drawing by Belgian artist Michaël Borremans.
- Talks & Workshops Area: Located at the rear of the hall, with seating for 80 people. Talks run daily from 11:00 to 17:00.
What to bring: comfortable shoes (you'll walk a lot), a small bag (cloakroom is €2), and a notebook. Photography is allowed without flash. There is a café serving coffee, beer, and sandwiches, but expect queues during peak hours (12:00–14:00).
Schedule Highlights and Must-See Events
The daily schedule is packed. Below are the key events for a first-time visitor:
Wednesday (Vernissage)
- 18:00–21:00: Opening night with live drawing performance by the collective Dessin à la Carte.
- 19:00: Curator's tour (in English).
Thursday & Friday
- 11:00: Guided tour of the fair (€10, book online).
- 14:00: Talk: “Collecting Drawings on a Budget” with collector Marie-Laure Jousset.
- 16:00: Workshop: “Experimental Mark-Making” (free, first-come-first-served).
Saturday & Sunday
- 12:00: Family workshop (ages 6+).
- 15:00: Panel discussion: “Drawing in the Digital Age.”
- 17:00: Prize ceremony for the Drawing Week Brussels Award (€5,000 prize).
For the full schedule, visit our Drawing Week Schedule page.
Gallery Highlights and Artists to Watch
With over 50 galleries, it's easy to get lost. Here are five standout galleries and what they're known for:
- Galerie Greta Meert (Brussels): Specializes in minimalist drawing. Look for works by Niele Toroni.
- Galerie Nathalie Obadia (Paris): Brings figurative works by Wang Bing.
- Galerie Krinzinger (Vienna): Known for provocative ink works by VALIE EXPORT.
- Galerie Fons Welters (Amsterdam): Features colorful abstract drawings by Rineke Dijkstra.
- Galerie Meessen De Clercq (Brussels): Shows emerging Belgian talent like Otobong Nkanga.
Price range: A small drawing on paper can start at €500, while major works by established artists can exceed €20,000. Most galleries accept credit cards.
Practical Tips for First-Timers
- Go early: The fair opens at 10:00, but the first hour (10:00–11:00) is quietest. By 14:00, the hall is crowded.
- Use the cloakroom: It's €2 and saves you from carrying a coat. Large backpacks are not allowed in the booths.
- Plan your route: Grab a floor plan at the entrance. Booths are numbered; start from the back to avoid the initial rush.
- Talk to the gallerists: They are knowledgeable and happy to discuss the works. Don't be shy — it's part of the experience.
- Take breaks: The café has seating, but you can also exit and re-enter (stamp your hand). Tour & Taxis has a park outside.
For more insider tips, check our Complete Guide.
Getting There and Where to Stay
Tour & Taxis is located at Avenue du Port 86C, 1000 Brussels. Public transport is the easiest option:
- Metro: Line 2 or 6 to Ribaucourt station (10-minute walk).
- Tram: Line 51 or 82 to Tour & Taxis stop (direct).
- Bus: Line 14 or 20 to Tour & Taxis.
- Bicycle: Villo! stations at the entrance. Free parking for bikes.
- Car: Paid parking (€2/hour) at the site, but spaces are limited.
If you're traveling from out of town, consider staying in the Laeken or Sainte-Catherine neighborhoods. Hotels like Hotel Bloom (from €120/night) and NH Collection Brussels Centre (from €150/night) are within a 20-minute walk. Budget option: MEININGER Hotel Brussels City Center (dorm from €25, private from €80). For more accommodation tips, see our Where to Stay in Brussels for Drawing Week guide.
Food and Drink Options
Inside the fair, the café offers: coffee (€3), soft drinks (€3), beer (€5), and sandwiches (€8–€12). For a proper meal, head to the nearby Kolenmarkt district (15-minute walk), where you'll find:
- Le Bistro de la Rue Haute: Belgian classics, mains around €18.
- Friture de la Bourse: Best frites in town, €4 for a cone.
- L'Atelier de la Bière: 200+ Belgian beers, from €4.
Many visitors also bring a packed lunch and sit in the Parc de Tour & Taxis (adjacent to the venue).
After the Fair: Brussels Art Scene
Drawing Week Brussels is part of a broader art weekend. Many galleries in the city center host openings on Thursday evening. Notable nearby galleries include:
- Galerie Templon (Rue Veydt): Contemporary art.
- Galerie Albert Baronian (Rue de la Concorde): Cutting-edge drawing.
- BOZAR (Rue Ravenstein): Major museum with concurrent exhibitions.
Check the Brussels Art Map at the fair's information desk for a full list.
Related Articles
- The Complete Guide to Drawing Week Brussels
- Drawing Week Brussels 2025: Full Schedule
- How to Buy Tickets for Drawing Week Brussels
- Drawing Week Brussels: Talks and Workshops
- Brussels Art Fair Tips for First-Timers