Discover a whole new side to Brussels, as Clap Culture is returning to the region with its musical tour concept, showing locals and tourists around the Belgian capital through activities, games and music.
Starting in September, the non-profit organisation will once again organise a number of musical tours, either through historical or Brussels-related themes centring on a particular district in the city, ranging from the history of metros and Art Nouveau to street art and even local crime facts.
"The musical tours are very well received by the public. We've been doing them for the last four years, for schools, local libraries, local councils and Public Centres for Social Welfare (for example in Uccle)," Clap Cultures's Benjamin Hannesse told The Brussels Times.
He added that the added value of the tours is that a musician accompanies the group and "plays a piece at each stage in a variety of styles, from classical, jazz and film music to French chanson and world music. "The instruments vary depending on the tour, but include flute, clarinet, saxophone, a capella singing and sometimes even harp."
Scouting Koekelberg , or exploring Art Nouveau
The first walk will be organised on Saturday 2 September and will take keen historians and lovers of Brussels through the Koekelberg municipality, starting at Simonis metro station. The tour guide will tell the tale of the area, from its beginnings as a small hamlet, to when it became industrialised in the 19th century, resulting in rapid population growth.
Marvel at the grandeur of the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart (more commonly referred to as the Basilica of Koekelberg) and explore the buzzing streets around Etangs Noirs. The tour will also include stops at the Art Nouveau girl's school designed by architect Henri Jacobs at the start of the 20th century, and the Grande Brasserie, whose accountant became one of Koekelberg's most famous mayors.
Credit: Clap Culture
Two weeks later, on Saturday 16 September, a guided tour celebrating Brussels' Art Nouveau heritage will start from the kiosk in the Parc de Bruxelles. From here, the group will head for the Musical Instruments Museum, located in the Old-England Art Nouveau-style building on the Mont des Arts, before making its way to the monument to Charles Buls and the CIRIO, passing a number of shop fronts and buildings in the same style.
From November, a series of feminist musical tours in the Brussels Metro will be organised, for which the dates will be confirmed at a later date. At every step of the way, live music will be performed by a musician, while interactive activities and games will also be organised in the theme of the specific walk.
Local authorities, schools, companies and families can organise a private group visit for €275. "Any group can suggest a theme for a visit, and we'll tailor-make a tour to suit. The tour in November was one we did equal.brussels, for example," Hannesse said.
