Bumper crop of international florists descends on Brussels City Hall

Gothic gem and UNESCO World Heritage Site Brussels City Hall will be given a floral facelift from 14 to 18 August 2019 as its most stunning rooms are decorated by the crème de la crème of Belgian and international florists.

Flowertime is being run jointly by the organisers of Brussels Flower Carpet and the Floraliën and aims to cement the city’s reputation as the floral capital of Europe. First launched in 2013, the event has since become a must for absolutely anyone with an interest in architecture or horticulture, whether aged 5 or 95.

Held every two years so as not to clash with the Grand Place being covered in its Flower Carpet, Flowertime lets you see Brussels City Hall as you've never seen it before.

For five magical days, the entrance hall, corridors, reception rooms and more will be bedecked in unusual, surprising floral arrangements that transform the magnificent building into an idyllic, enchanted world of captivating scents and dazzling colours.

A fresh look at a little-known architectural gem

It may be instantly recognisable, but few members of the public have ever had the chance to cross the threshold of Brussels City Hall and explore the mysteries that lie beyond. Flowertime is the perfect occasion to discover 13 of its most beautiful rooms, decorated floor to ceiling by around 30 internationally renowned florists.

For Delphine Houba, president of the non-profit that also runs the Flower Carpet event, Flowertime is a unique opportunity to see Brussels City Hall from a whole new angle.

“Everyone knows its façade, but few people, locals included, know what's hiding inside this wonderful Gothic building. By opening some of its most beautiful rooms, which would normally be closed to the public, Flowertime gives people a behind-the-scenes glimpse of its little-known splendour.”

2019 goes international

This year, the artistic direction is once again in the green-fingered hands of the folk from Floraliën, who have chosen “A World of Floral Emotions” as 2019’s theme. Established artists and budding newcomers from all over the world will pour their talent, creativity and expertise into making this venerable building sing with the universal language of flowers.

“The idea came about because we wanted to bring different cultures together. More than 30 artists – some new to Flowertime and some old hands – will show off the latest floral trends from their own countries: Belarus, China, Indonesia, Japan, Romania, Estonia, France, Portugal, Netherlands, Sweden, Mexico, United States... and of course, Belgium. In total, over 30 florists from 13 countries are taking part in Flowertime,” says Pieter Toebaert, director of the Floraliën festivals.

A floral gateway to an enchanted world

As always, the flower-lined route will start in the Grand Place. This year, though, to access the building, visitors will pass through a stunning flower arch composed of 500 fuchsias.

Every evening between 6 pm and 10 pm, visitors will be serenaded by the Jose Luis Montiel Moreno trio, who have put together a floral playlist especially for the occasion. Jose Luis Montiel Moreno is a great supporter of Brussels’ summertime events, having composed the soundtrack for last year’s Mexican Flower Carpet sound and light show. Don’t miss out on this unique experience!

Useful info to help you plan your visit:

Opening hours

14 August, 1 pm to 7 pm (last entry at 6:30 pm)
15-18 August, 10 am to 10 pm (last entry at 9:30 pm)

Price: 8 euros (free for children under 10) 

On-the-day tickets available at the Brussels City Hall entrance
Advance tickets available on www.flowertime.be and in the Visit Brussels shops (located at Brussels Grand Place and Rue Royale 2-4, 1000 Brussels)
With an advance ticket, you can take the fast lane at the Grand Place. Please note that there are only a limited number of advance tickets available.
Discounts for groups of 15 or more: please contact karel.goethals@flowercarpet.be
You will find all the info you need on www.flowertime.be.