Brussels, Brugge and Ghent in 3 days over Christmas

Note that the Ghent Altarpiece is under restoration, with only 2/3 of it on display in St. Bavo's.

Restoration of The Altarpiece is in the Museum of Fine Arts also in Ghent. For an impression how stunningly detailed this outstanding piece of art is, you can look at: http://closertovaneyck.kikirpa.be/#intro If you want to see all the panels and the restoration, you have to visit the museum as well. Next to the ticket booth in the cathedral is a time schedule about the restoration. During my visit last August the front panels, the most beautifull part was still in the cathedral, the back panels under restoration in the museum. The initial plan was to bring back the latter to the cathedral last October and start to move the front panels to the museum for restoration. But as there is more work to do as foreseen, it will happen later, if I´m informed well next year.

It really depends on the interest of your teenagers. The Belgian Comic Strip Museum might be an fun attraction--it's more than Tintin--lots of exhibits on graphic novels. If they like surreal art, the Magritte Museum is fantastic and accessible. If they are into war or cars, head out to the Parc du Cinquantenaire to see the military museum and/or Autoworld, which are across a plaza from each other. As for the European Parliament, the visitors center has state of the art exhibits and is free--lots of interactive videos that might appeal to teens. And there is always chocolate... Have fun.

So we have arrived. We have had a few obstacles so now we are trying to decide between Brugge or Ghent. Suggestions anyone?