Brussels to celebrate Italian culture

People with an interest in European culture can catch flights to Belgium this year to visit a season of exhibitions and other events in Brussels celebrating Italy.

In 2011, the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy will be marked by a series of celebrations in Turin showcasing the best of the country.

Brussels' Bozar Centre for Fine Arts decided to precede these festivities by two years and launch its Turin/Italian Spring initiative this year, which will run until May 24th.

The cultural celebration brings together art exhibitions, film screenings, dance performances, conferences and many other events, all with a distinctly Italian theme.

One exhibition is dedicated to Maurizio Cattelan, one of Italy's most prominent contemporary artists, while another presents work by masters including Bellotto and Canaletto.

On April 3rd, the Bozar Centre will host a performance by a quartet led by the trumpet player Paolo Fresu.

Flights to Brussels are available with bmi, Brussels Airlines, KLM and other carriers.

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