Whilst the Mont des Arts is one of the most emblematic places in Brussels city centre, it has been repeatedly marred by graffiti for many years. As removing it has become an ongoing cat-and-mouse game, the authorities are now tackling the problem definitively and sustainably.
A "free expression wall" was created on the covered gallery at the Mont des Arts site several years ago, which allowed tags and graffiti to a limited extent. However, the experiment did not have the desired effect and got out of hand, with graffiti and tags spreading across the entire site.
"The tags on the Mont des Arts are an unacceptable scar on one of the most visited and emblematic sites in Brussels. If urban art is a recognised form of artistic expression, it must be expressed in suitable and reserved places, which is not the case for the Mont des Arts," said State Secretary Mathieu Michel who is in charge of the Buildings Agency.
"The graffiti damages Belgium's image. We will give this site back the cleanliness and prestige it deserves. With this new approach, we will put an end to this vandalism once and for all," he added.
Thorough cleaning and weekly checks
The first phase of the plan to make (and maintain) the site graffiti-free started on Thursday 11 May when the walls, stairs, metal planters and façades of various buildings and statues on the site were cleaned by a specialist company.
The Royal Library of Belgium (KBR), the Dynasty Palace and the Château Moderne are located on the Mont des Arts. The stairs at the top offer a panorama over the square, with Brussels' Town Hall tower poking out over the skyline.
In a press release, the Belgian Buildings Agency also announced graffiti removal on other buildings: the façades of the buildings on the Place du Musée and Rue du Musée will be restored, as well as the façades of the Musical Instruments Museum and Magritte Museum.
"Removing all the graffiti will take about a month. Anti-graffiti protection will also be placed on the surfaces of the buildings. All cleaning and treatments will be carried out with the utmost care for the monuments," the agency said.
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After the large-scale cleaning operation has been carried out and anti-graffiti protection applied, there will be weekly checks for new graffiti –and additional cleaning where necessary – for one year.
Once that phase has ended, several parties will cooperate to maintain the Mont des Arts' condition: the Buildings Agency will be responsible for ensuring that the lighting, stairs, esplanade and various buildings remain clean while Brussels Environment is responsible for the maintenance of the gardens.
Besides cleaning graffiti, one of the top priorities now is to restore the large fountain at the foot of Mont des Arts; finding a contractor for the job is already underway.
