The King Baudouin Foundation is not only turning fifty in 2026, but was also invited to be the guest of honour at the prestigious BRAFA art fair! A remarkable accolade for the Foundation and its philanthropists, who have been dedicated to preserving Belgium’s heritage for decades.
A mission for heritage and culture
On the occasion of its 50th anniversary, the King Baudouin Foundation will be the guest of honour at BRAFA 2026, the prestigious Brussels art fair. This recognition highlights the Foundation and its philanthropists’ commitment to preserving and transmitting Belgian heritage. For decades, the Foundation has worked to make heritage accessible to all, entrusting over 29,000 works and 31 archival collections to more than 100 museums and public institutions across the country.
Highlights of BRAFA 2026
The King Baudouin Foundation’s stand N°151 will offer visitors unique insight into the Foundation’s multifaceted collection. To mark its anniversary, the Foundation will not only showcase some of its most recent acquisitions, but also a selection of masterpieces that joined its collection earlier and have since become part of Belgium’s public heritage.
Among the Foundation’s recent acquisitions on display will be an iconic bracelet by Pol Bury, a prime example of kinetic art; a key work by the Namur Pop artist Evelyne Axell; an exceptional piece of 19th-century lace and an Art Deco tapestry by Elisabeth De Saedeleer.
The selection of iconic acquisitions will include a View of Brussels by Jean-Baptiste Bonnecroy, a unique and spectacular cityscape of Belgium’s capital dating from 1664–1665; a goblet in the form of an owl, made of silver and coconut, a true masterpiece from the Golden Age; the Holy Blood Ensign (Bruges, 1529), an exceptional, late-Gothic sculpture; the Portrait of Jan Vekemans by Cornelis de Vos (1624), entrusted to the Museum Mayer van den Bergh to complete a series of family portraits.
A vibrant programme of art and culture at BRAFA 2026
In addition to its curated exhibition, the King Baudouin Foundation will present a rich and varied daily programme in the KBF Forum, the space adjacent to its stand.
12 noon – MUSIC @ KBF: A musician supported by one of the Foundation’s philanthropic funds will perform a short lunchtime concert.
2 pm – KBF Art Talks: A lecture series dedicated to masterpieces from the King Baudouin Foundation’s collection.
4 pm – BRAFA Art Talks: Leading figures from the art world will share their insights and expertise across a range of fascinating topics.
Visitors will also get a behind-the-scenes look at the restoration of a recently acquired work: a painting by the Antwerp master Willem Key. A professional restorer will explain the process using a concrete example during short sessions at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 1:30 p.m.
Join us at our stand No. 151 to celebrate this exceptional jubilee together!
Practical info:
BRAFA Art Fair
From 25 January to 1 February 2026
Brussels Expo – Heysel (Halls 3 and 4)
Open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Evening opening on Thursday, 29 January
King Baudouin Foundation stand: No. 151