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A leading choreographer (born 1960) in the world of contemporary dance.

A tidy, modern and reasonably-priced hotel overlooking the river (and road), the Antigone is conveniently placed for the Grote Markt and cathedral, as well as some of the clubs, bars and restaurants just north of the city centre.

For lovers of everything from old comics and Art Nouveau door handles to exquisite Louis XVI desks and ormolu clocks, Belgium is a happy hunting ground. In Brussels, the full range is on view between the Place du Jeu de Balle and the Place du Grand Sablon.

A colleague and friend of Rubens, Antoon van Dyck (1599– 1641) matched many of Rubens’ skills, and addressed a similar range of subject matter. Van Dyck, however, is best known for his portraits. He became court painter to Charles I of England, who rewarded him with a knighthood.

Antwerp’s Cathedral of Our Lady is the city’s main landmark, and the largest Gothic church in Belgium. Originating in the 14th century, its impressive interior is enhanced by two exceptional triptychs by Rubens: The Raising of the Cross and The Descent from the Cross (see Antwerp Cathedral).

One of the oldest zoos in the world (1843). Special attractions include a sea lion show, elephant bathing, a new hippo pond and a hands-on reptile experience. The zoo is also a Centre for Research and Conservation.

A modern block in the east of the city, about 15 to 20 minutes’ walk from Sint-Baafskathedraal, provides moderately priced rooms. The hotel is divided into apartments, as well as conventional rooms, all of which are available for one night or longer stays. It also has a restaurant, which, given its location, is useful.

The story of this museum centres on one of those awkward legacies: the gift to Bruges by the British artist Frank Brangwyn (1867–1956) of a large collection of his own paintings and prints. Fortunately, the result is both unusual and rewarding, as he had a highly distinctive eye and was a brilliant draughtsman (see Arentshuis (Brangwynmuseum)).

Frank Brangwyn (1867–1956) was a gifted painter, born in Bruges, the son of William Curtis Brangwyn, one of a group of British artists and architects involved in restoring the city to its Gothic glory. Frank Brangwyn donated an impressive collection of his work to the city. It is now exhibited on the upper floor of the late-18th-century Arentshuis. The ground floor is used for temporary exhibitions.