Brussels House Opens in Milan as Cultural Hub

The first Brussels House in Europe opened on February 2, 2023, at De Castillia 23 in Milan's Porta Nuova district, inside a renovated building known locally as 'il rasoio'. The multifunctional space aims to connect Brussels' cultural scene with Italy through workshops, meetings, and permanent and temporary exhibitions. For the opening, the central open space was set up in collaboration with students from oPla Architecture, a school in Anderlecht, Belgium. The venue features movable curtains for reconfigurable spaces, walls made from recycled wood modules produced in Belgium, and a kitchen cooktop made from recycled plastic. It includes areas for work, meetings, art exhibitions, and a food zone. Sustainability is a key focus, with attention to emission reduction and circular economy materials. Patrick Bontinck (CEO of Visit Brussels), Ursula Jone Gandini, Guglielmo Pisana, and Isabelle Grippa (CEO of Hub Brussels) were present at the opening. Pisana, Economic and Commercial Counselor for Brussels Capital, described the house as a showcase for Brussels companies in Italy and an opportunity for Italian entrepreneurs and startups to develop activities in Brussels. Ursula Jone Gandini, Director Italy of the Brussels Tourism Office, said the space will allow the public to discover the city's highlights and dynamic spirit.