Brussels' historic city centre has once again been adorned with flower-topped works of art as part of the 'Brussels in Bloom' event for the first two weeks of August.
The third edition of the flower trail is divided into 18 stages with sight-seeing spots dotted around the capital's most famous tourist hotspot: the Grand Place. Having been launched by the City on Tuesday, the 60-minute route starts at the inner courtyard of the City Hall of Brussels.
Flowers at the City Hall during the 2021 edition. Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck
When following the floral itinerary, visitors and locals alike are invited to rediscover Brussels through the plant installations designed and created by a dozen renowned artists in the flower world.
"Whether suspended or placed on the ground, they add a touch of freshness and wonder to this summer's urban excitement," the event organiser noted.
This year's theme has a surreal twist to it in honour of the 125th anniversary of the birth of Belgian artist René Magritte. The artist is also being commemorated with oversized reproductions of iconic characters from his paintings to adorn façades around the city.
Artworks during the 2021 edition. Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck
Floral designers from Moments Subtils will kick off the tour with 'Ceci n'est pas une pipe', a reference to the well-known work by Magritte. The mineral fibre installation lets vibrant flowers escape from its hearth like wisps of smoke.
Floral designers Castros Illuminations and Do Flowers also are also paying tribute to Magritte, with their installation 'Le cercle des oiseaux disparus' featuring doves, and their works 'Cherokee et bottes de cuir' and 'Apple Boop'.
Credit: Belga/ Nicolas Maeterlinck
The initiative was first organised during the pandemic as an alternative to Brussels' famed Flower Carpet. The Flower Carpet is biennial: it took place last year and will again be laid down on the square's cobblestones next summer.
During the last five days of the 'Brussels in Bloom' event, the fifth edition of 'Flowertime' – organised alternately with the Flower Carpet – will take place.
During 'Flowertime', floral artists from around the world will decorate the emblematic City Hall – a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Grand Place from where the trail begins – with beautiful arrangements and floral creations using fresh flowers, transforming it into an idyllic garden.
