Europe: the whole story

(© Danny Willems)

If everything goes according to plan, the House of European History – a large museum devoted to the history of Europe – will open in the monumental Eastman Building in the Leopold Park in 2015. If you can’t wait that long, you can already visit the slightly smaller museum Domo de Europa Historio en Ekzilo. The museum was founded following the intense research of theatre director Thomas Bellinck in preparation for the KVS city project Tok Toc Knock in the European Quarter, and is presented as a look-back at the European project from the future.

We don’t want to give too much away, but we will say that everyone should definitely visit this surprising museum for the one-hour tour. Due to its enormous success and the temporary nature of the exhibition, it wouldn’t hurt to book in advance, but even if you arrive unannounced, an advanced reception system ensures that everyone has the time to visit all the splendid halls at their own pace. The traditional European problem of translations has been solved ingeniously, and the astonishing design meets all current museum norms and standards. In other words, all the conditions have been met for you to be able to concentrate right until the end, and also to pay attention to historical insights you can only glean from details. There is a museum bar with a panoramic view waiting at the end of the visit, with an extensive pan- (or post-)European drinks menu.

(© Danny Willems)

The “House of European History in Exile” is critical but nuanced, informative but also accessible. You will be surprised by the resourcefulness that goes into drawing up European guidelines, or the designs of the new European Council headquarters – the so-called “Van Rompuy’s Egg” – that have never been exhibited before. Finally, you will be struck dumb when it comes to the economic crisis and the desperation of its victims.

Domo de Europa Historio en Ekzilo > 14/6, wo/me/We > vr/ve/Fr 17 > 21.00, w-e 10 > 21.00, €6/10, Kloktorenstraat 22 rue du Clocher, Etterbeek, 02-210.11.12, www.kvs.be