Across Europe, new landmarks blend architecture, culture, and heritage to redefine travel in 2026. This guide highlights top European sights that offer fresh perspectives on modern design, regional history, and the continent's evolving cultural landscape.
The must-see landmarks for 2026 include Kanal – Centre Pompidou in Brussels, the FENIX Museum of Migration in Rotterdam, Muzej Lah in Bled, and the Oulu 2026 European Capital of Culture program.
These sites showcase bold architecture, migratory memory, alpine art, and cross border celebrations that define the year. Kanal will open in late 2026, bringing Parisian and Belgian curatorial links to the Belgian capital. The FENIX Museum opened in 2025 and remains a landmark for migration storytelling. Muzej Lah is slated to debut in summer 2026 near Bled Castle, and Oulu will host a full cultural program across the year as part of its European Capital of Culture status.
TL;DR: In 2026, Kanal in Brussels, Rotterdam's FENIX, Muzej Lah in Bled, and the Oulu Capital of Culture program are among the top European sights worth planning for now.
Kanal – Centre Pompidou, Brussels
Kanal – Centre Pompidou represents Brussels new benchmark for modern and contemporary art. The project is housed in the historic Citroën garage and will span about 40,000 square metres of space. A collaboration with Paris’s Centre Pompidou will shape rotating exhibitions, performance spaces, a library, archives, and public areas. Kanal is confirmed to open on 28 November 2026. The project aims to connect Brussels with international art networks while serving as a social hub through galleries, a café, a bakery, and a rooftop bar.
FENIX Museum of Migration, Rotterdam
FENIX is Rotterdam’s new international art museum dedicated to migration and movement. The building sits in a restored historic warehouse on the Katendrecht docks and is designed by MAD Architects, featuring The Tornado, a striking double-helix staircase. The museum opened on 16 May 2025 and quickly established itself as a landmark for understanding global migration through art. Its programme includes large-scale exhibitions, interactive spaces like the Suitcase Labyrinth, and the “The Family of Migrants” documentary project. FENIX continues to draw visitors in 2026 as a symbol of contemporary dialogue about shared histories.
Muzej Lah, Bled, Slovenia
Muzej Lah in the Upper Carniola region near Bled is a new contemporary art museum planned to open in summer 2026. Designed by David Chipperfield Architects, the building sits beneath Bled Castle, harmonising with the Alpine landscape. The Lah Fundacija collection includes more than 800 works from Slovenian and international artists, making Muzej Lah a notable addition to Europe’s new museum circuit. The opening aligns with Slovenia’s rising profile in 2026 and broadens access to modern European art in a scenic setting.
Oulu 2026 European Capital of Culture
Oulu in northern Finland hosts the European Capital of Culture 2026, a year-long program spanning the city and its surrounding municipalities. The opening festival is scheduled for 16–18 January 2026, with hundreds of events across venues, including the Lumo Light Festival. The broader program emphasizes culture, technology, and regional collaboration, linking Oulu to a wider Nordic and European program for 2026. The designation places Oulu among Europe’s leading cultural showcases for the year and invites travelers to experience a northern cultural year in action.
Planning a 2026 itinerary around these landmarks
Travelers should build a compact itinerary that layers city breaks with regional experiences. Start with Brussels for Kanal, then cross to Rotterdam to visit FENIX. A short rail or road trip can extend to Bled for Muzej Lah, followed by a longer northern leg to Oulu for the Capital of Culture program. Check opening hours and event schedules in advance, as Kanal and Oulu host extensive programs that evolve through 2026. Each site offers distinct ways to engage with European design, migration histories, alpine art, and Northern culture.
FAQ
What is Kanal – Centre Pompidou? Kanal is Brussels new museum of modern and contemporary art and architecture, created through a collaboration with Centre Pompidou. It will open on 28 November 2026 and feature exhibitions, performance spaces, a library, and public areas.
When does Kanal open? Kanal opens on 28 November 2026, marking Brussels as a major European hub for contemporary art.
What is the FENIX Museum of Migration? FENIX is a Rotterdam museum focused on migration and mobility. It opened in May 2025, housed in a restored warehouse, with architecture by MAD Architects and a range of interactive and documentary exhibitions. It remains a key landmark for 2026.
Where is Muzej Lah located, and what will it feature? Muzej Lah sits near Bled Castle in Slovenia’s Upper Carniola region and opens in summer 2026. The museum houses a diverse collection of about 800 works and is designed by David Chipperfield Architects.
What makes Oulu 2026 special for travelers? Oulu holds the European Capital of Culture title for 2026, delivering a year-long program across multiple venues and events, including the Lumo Light Festival. The program is designed to showcase northern creativity and regional collaboration.