Flowertime in Brussels pays tribute to Belgian surrealism: This is not a Town Hall!

Brussels confirms its position as the floral capital of Europe with Flowertime due to grace the Grand Place in Brussels from 11 to 15 August.

Alternating with the world-famous Flower Carpet, the fifth edition of the biennial event invites 23 teams of floral artists to pay tribute to Belgian surrealism.

They are set to transform 15 rooms in the town hall to honour the grand masters of the art movement that flourished in Belgium in the 20th century.

From the entrance hall to corridors, meeting and reception rooms, they will create fragrant and colourful displays aimed at inspiring the imagination of visitors. For 2023, the mayor’s office and the provisional council chamber have been added to the itinerary.

The 45-minute tours will also be an opportunity to visit the interior of the gothic town hall, which along with the Grand Place, is a UNESCO world heritage site.

Creating the displays are internationally-renowned landscape architects and floral artists from Brussels, Wallonia, Flanders and France, Portugal, Ukraine and Indonesia, among other countries.

The artistic theme is part of the city’s commemoration of the 125th anniversary of René Magritte, the Belgian artist who was a leading figure in the visual surrealist movement. Brussels played an important role in its global success, pointed out alderwoman for culture, tourism and major events Delphine Houba.

"The iconic Town Hall will undergo a breathtaking transformation. Every nook and cranny of this architectural marvel will be adorned with exquisite floral arrangements and botanical creations, turning it into an extraordinary, oversized bouquet that will captivate both young and old alike,” said Houba, who is president of the nonprofit Tapis de Fleurs de Bruxelles, which jointly organises the biennial with Floraliën.

Artistic  director and general manager of Floraliën, Pieter Toebaert, explained that the florists were pushing the boundaries of floral design.

"Surrealism is an artistic movement known for its unusual, dreamlike images and for combining different elements in surprising and sometimes even bewildering ways. The florists have applied this concept to their floral creations, creating a captivating and enchanting atmosphere."

Other floral events in the city

Two other botanical-themed events are running during the same period as Flowertime. The third edition of Brussels in Bloom is a free flower trail which takes visitors on a tour of the streets surrounding the Grand Place from 1 to 15 August. It includes an installation in the inner courtyard of the town hall that pays tribute to Magritte.

During Flowertime it’s also possible to access the Town Hall Tower and admire a 360-degree panoramic view of the city. A 200-step spiral staircase leads from the building’s courtyard. The experience is available separately or as a combi-ticket with Flowertime.

Flowertime
11-15 August
Friday 14.00-18.00; Saturday-Tuesday 10.00-19.00
€12 on site; €10 in advance
Flowertime + View Tower Experience: €18 on site; €16 in advance

Photos: (main image) Flowertime 2023; Previous editions of Flowertime ©Wim Vanmaele and Stéphane Brassart; ©Wim Vanmaele and Anne Guns