Custom floral dungarees for the Manneken Pis
As the warm-up act for Flowertime 2019, which runs from 14 to 18 August, Geoffroy Mottart has dressed Brussels’ most famous statue. He has chosen a pair of floral dungarees whose colours are inspired by the 13 countries of the floral artists who will adorn the Town Hall with their creations.
Geoffroy Mottart has made a name for himself by giving forgotten sculptures in the city’s parks a new lease of life. And in a repeat of two years ago, he will be dressing one of the most famous statues in the world: the Manneken Pis. Two days before Flowertime, on the morning of 12 August, he will unveil the floral costume he has dreamed up for this symbol of Brussels’ rebellious spirit.
A tribute to work and cooperation
“For this year’s Flowertime, I’ve created some dungarees dotted with floral badges that represent each of the countries taking part in the event. Where possible, I’ve used the typical flowers or plants of each of these nations,” explained Mottart.
In honour of everybody who has worked so tirelessly to dress the Town Hall’s rooms for Flowertime, Mottart has opted for dungarees, a garment that symbolises work in the collective imagination.
"On the occasion of Flowertime, our national 'ketje' will become an international symbol. His floral dungarees in the colors of the 13 countries from which the floral artists are, will attract Brussels residents, Belgians and tourists alike at the foot of his fountain. Moreover, Manneken Pis perfectly embody the theme of the event, A world of floral emotions", says Delphine Houba, Alderwoman of Culture, Tourism and Big Events of the City of Brussels and President of the Brussels Flower Carpet non-profit organisation .
The Manneken Pis’ temporary new look is made from a soft fabric mould with flowers stitched or glued to the exterior. None of them come into contact with the statue, and so the stone is perfectly safe from damage. The floral dungarees will be on display until Friday August 16, after which Brussels' famous little peeing boy has other obligations.
Flowertime: stone meets flowers
Every two years since 2013, Flowertime has shown you Brussels Town Hall as you've never seen it before. Run jointly by the organisers of the Brussels Flower Carpet and the Floraliën flower festival, Flowertime is an absolute must for fans of flowers and architecture from all corners of the globe.
Press contacts:
For more info, images or interviews, please contact our press office:
Asbl Tapis de Fleurs de Bruxelles - Doris Forster — press@flowercarpet.be — +32 477 85 02 40
Press inauguration: Wednesday August 14, 9 am-12 noon: https://flowercarpet.prezly.com/press-invitation-inauguration-of-flowertime-2019
More information and high-resolution photos are available from our newsroom: https://flowercarpet.prezly.com
Practical information:
Website: flowertime.be
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.
