Brussels' historic city centre is currently adorned with flower-topped works of art. The floral trail, which has returned under a new name, has been unveiled in the run-up to the creation of the world-famous flower carpet.
Anyone walking on the cobbled streets of Brussels city centre in the coming days will likely stumble across several plant installations. These are all part of the fourth edition of the flower trail, which has become an annual event in the city.
"By creating an artistic flower trail in the streets around the Grand-Place, we are offering visitors an aesthetic, playful and artistic experience," said Councillor for Economy, Employment and Administrative Simplification, Benhur Ergen (DéFI).
Magic dragon and flying horses
This year, the hanging floral decorations and 3D floral installations are all in the theme of 'Fantasy Creatures'. The one-hour-long route is divided into 17 stages, starting in the courtyard of City Hall on the capital's most famous tourist hotspot: the Grand-Place. Here, the first artwork, 'The Magic Dragon', can be found.
Credit: BME
Throughout the route, a wide variety of artworks is waiting to be discovered. 'Secret Garden Door', the creation at Hotel Amigo, represents the entrance gate to a tropical garden. The work is made of artificial flowers in recycled fabrics and recycled plastic.
Further along, walkers will discover a phoenix rising from the ashes over a 'waterfall', and work inspired by Japanese cherry blossom (which is particularly beautiful at night).
Until Thursday, Brussels' famous little boy "Manneken Pis" will also be dressed for the occasion in a floral costume. Other works include a selfie zone of recycled stained glass panels representing flowers, a ceiling of wisteria, a flying fantasy horse, a street covered by white doves and colourful umbrellas and much more.
Credit: BME
The flower trail will end where it started, at the Grand-Place, where the iconic flower carpet can be admired from Thursday. This year, the work of art measuring 1,600 square metres, which every edition attracts thousands of admirers, will consist mainly of dahlias rather than begonias. A light and audio show will also take place here every 30 minutes in the evening (between 21:00 and 23:00).
Putting local retailers in the spotlight
The flower trail was first organised during the pandemic as an alternative to the biennial Flower Carpet. Previously named 'Brussels in Bloom', the initiative is now titled 'Flourishing Trade' to reflect the incorporation of the many shops located in the heart of the region. The windows of around 100 stores along the route will be decorated with hanging baskets filled with flowers or plant arrangements in vases to complete the trail.
Credit: BME
The city has also set up a "Flower Bar" where a storyteller will invite locals and visitors alike to pick up a paper flower with the chance to win prizes in the 500 local shops. Ergen noted that both elements were included to make sure people "discover Brussels' shopping offer".
The flower trail will remain in place until 25 August. The flower carpet will remain at the heart of Grand-Place until Sunday 18 August at 22:00 (final entry at 21:30).
