Fifth edition of floral festival Flowertime kicks off today
Check out the latest photos from the event below!
From 11 to 15 August, you can discover Brussels Town Hall and the Grand-Place through the prism of the imagination of Belgium's greatest surrealist masters. As René Magritte would say: This is not a Town Hall! Organised by the City of Brussels and the Tapis de Fleurs de Bruxelles teams, under the artistic direction of Floraliën, Flowertime brings together the finest floral artists from Belgium and around the world. These artists of the ephemeral have taken over the venue with their creations, providing a feast of colour, fragrance and dreams. A must-see for lovers of flowers and all things beautiful.
To make sure you don't miss any of the action at Flowertime, here's a sneak preview of what's in store:
- This year's theme is a tribute to the creativity and dreamlike sensibility of the greatest Belgian painters of this artistic movement: 'Surrealism'. Flowertime regulars and newcomers, young talent and established designers, foreign and Belgian, 23 teams of world-renowned florists have risen to the challenge of this prestigious floral event to offer us a fascinating glimpse into the imagination of the Belgian soul, paying tribute to its greatest representatives. A masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, like the Grand-Place itself, the Town Hall will be decked out in its most fantastical floral finery to offer visitors an experience as ephemeral as it is unforgettable.
- In keeping with the surrealist theme, the Grand-Place will also have a ‘colossal’ surprise in store, which will delight the many visitors waiting to discover the magnificent floral decorations inside the Town Hall. On the night of 9 to 10 August, a herd of nine larger-than-life wooden elephants, the largest of which is almost 7 metres long and weighs 500 kilos, took up residence on the Grand-Place. In their attempt to get inside the Town Hall, the herd of wooden pachyderms left some 520 footprints on the Grand-Place, on which the Flower Carpet teams have planted magnificent dahlias, the Flower Carpet's favourite flower. These spectacular and unexpected creations are by South African artist Andries Botha, and his elephants have already travelled far and wide in Belgium. From the coast to Antwerp Zoo, via the African Museum in Tervuren and Planckendael Zoo, to finally settle at the Verbeke Foundation. They venture out one last time to have some fun in the centre of Brussels, where they become one with the Grand-Place. A unique spectacle guaranteed!
- To extend the Flowertime 2023 experience, from 1 to 15 August, the 3rd edition of Brussels in Bloom invites visitors to the Town Hall to discover the creations of a dozen floral artists to brighten up the beating heart of the capital. The floral sculptures, which can be suspended or positioned on the ground, will add a refreshing and enchanting touch to the bustle of the city. Some of these ephemeral works are reminiscent of Magritte's surrealism and dreamlike world. They invite passers-by to embark on a bucolic journey along a route comprising 14 locations starting in the courtyard of the Town Hall. These locations include the Grand-Place and the GardeRobe MannekenPis. For the occasion, Brussels' iconic son will be decked out in a floral costume on 1 and 13 August.
- And that's not all! During Flowertime, you will be able to access the Town Hall Tower and admire a 360-degree panoramic view of Brussels. Climb the 200 steps of the spiral staircase from the Town Hall's courtyard to be rewarded with a breath-taking view of the Grand-Place and the whole city. The View Tower Experience is a unique opportunity to admire Brussels from an exceptional vantage point! View Tower Experience is available separately or as a combi ticket that also includes Flowertime.
Press file Flowertime 2023
PDF - 5.6 Mb
Practical information:
Opening hours
- 11 August, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. (last admission at 5.30 p.m.)
- 12 to 15 August, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (last admission at 6.30 p.m.)
Price: €12 on site - €10 in advance (free for children under 10)
- Available in advance (up until the day before the visit) at www.flowertime.be and in Visit Brussels shops
- On sale the same day at the entrance to the Town Hall
- Free admission for one person accompanying a group of 15 people or more: contact info@flowercarpet.be
- Group tickets available: Flowertime + View Tower Experience: €18 on site - €16 in advance
Tips for making the most of the Flowertime experience: avoid the queues at the Grand-Place by buying a ticket in advance (up until the day before the visit). Please note: places are available in limited numbers on www.flowertime.be.
- Find all the practical information you need on www.flowertime.be.
Press contacts:
For more information, visual material or to request interviews, please don't hesitate to contact our press department by telephone or e-mail:
ASBL Tapis de Fleurs de Bruxelles - Karel Goethals - press@flowercarpet.be - 0485 82 96 52
You can also find more information and high-resolution photos in our pressroom: https://flowercarpet.prezly.com
Cabinet of Ms Delphine Houba, Alderwoman for Culture, Tourism and Big events: Éloïse Pirard, press officer - eloise.pirard@brucity.be - 0474 41 05 44