From 24 April to 5 September 2027, Bruges will once again become a stage for contemporary art and architecture. The open-air exhibition focuses on togetherness, rituals and shared moments of life, offering a counterbalance to a society in which individualism is increasingly present. Art and architecture are used to explore new forms of encounter, dialogue and coexistence in the public space of this UNESCO World Heritage city.
A theme that returns to what brings us together
Curators Ulrika Flink and Helen Rix Runting began with a striking observation: the medieval city of Bruges still carries a strong sense of collective life. Social structures such as maternity clinics, monasteries, schools and hospitals have brought people together here for centuries.
The theme After Birth – Structures of Togetherness forms the basis for around ten chapters that explore the broad arc of life, from birth to death. From this perspective, artists and architects investigate together how art can contribute to new ways of living together.
For the first time in the history of TRIBRU, several installations will emerge from an explicit dialogue between architects and visual artists. Belgian and international makers develop projects that grow out of shared conversations and research, without necessarily merging into a single installation.
From locations to stories
After Birth not only examines physical places, but also questions the very idea of what a “site” can be. Some works will deliberately not be tied to a single location, or may unfold across multiple places in the city.
Throughout the exhibition period, the installations will be activated at different moments through performances, music and lectures. In this way, new meanings and encounters between different audiences continue to emerge.
This edition also explores how temporary interventions can contribute to a longer-term vision for the use of space. By searching for ways in which works can continue beyond the exhibition — through the reuse of materials, new functions elsewhere, or circular trajectories — After Birth also reflects on the future of the installations once the exhibition has ended.
In doing so, TRIBRU investigates how temporary artistic interventions can play a role in a sustainable vision for space and reuse.
Bruges as a place for coming together
For five months, Bruges will transform into a place of exchange, encounter and participation. An extensive participatory programme is being developed in collaboration with local and supra-local partners.
TRIBRU27 also continues to build on strong collaborations, both locally and internationally. Once again, there will be a special partnership with Triënnale Beaufort. A joint installation will already be launched in Zeebrugge in March 2027, ahead of the official opening of Triënnale Brugge, marking the first chapter of this edition.
Want to know more?
The full programme and all participating artists and architects will be announced in autumn 2026.
Stay up to date through our channels and mark your calender:
Triënnale Brugge: After Birth
Historic city centre of Bruges and Zeebruges
24.04 – 05.09.2027