Amazing Belgium

The Design Museum Brussels, located in the heart of the city, is a haven for design enthusiasts. Housed in a modern building, the museum was established following the acquisition of a private collection by the Atomium and is dedicated to exploring the history and evolution of design. Picture: Tom P The Plastic Design Collection One of the museum's highlights is the Plastic Design Collection. This extensive collection showcases the significant role of plastics in design from the 1950s to the present day. Visitors can admire a wide range of objects, from everyday household items to iconic pieces of furniture, all crafted from this versatile material. Belgisch Design Belge In addition to the Plastic Design Collection, the museum opened a new permanent exhibition space dedicated to Belgian design and its rich history. This exhibition offers a comprehensive overview of the country's design heritage, showcasing the work of both renowned and emerging designers. Temporary Exhibitions...

Pieter-Jan De Smet: Belgian Missionary and his Accomplishments in the US

Pieter-Jan De Smet was a Belgian Catholic priest and missionary who is best known for his work with Native Americans in the United States. He was born in Dendermonde, Belgium, in 1801 and immigrated to the United States in 1821. He joined the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and was ordained a priest in 1827. Pieter-Jan De Smet De Smet began his missionary work in Missouri, where he established a mission among the Potawatomi people. He later worked with other tribes in the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains, including the Sioux, Blackfoot, and Crow. He was known for his ability to build relationships with Native American leaders and for his efforts to promote peace between Native Americans and the United States government. De Smet was also a prolific writer and chronicler of Native American life and culture. His writings provide valuable insights into the history of the American West and the experiences of Native Americans during this period. Some of De Smet's most significant accomp...

Tomorrowland: A Belgian Dream

Tomorrowland, a global phenomenon, has its roots firmly planted in the heart of Belgium. This annual electronic dance music festival in Boom has transformed a modest recreational park into a magical realm, captivating millions worldwide. A Belgian Creation Tomorrowland, the brainchild of brothers Manu and Michiel Beers, debuted in 2005. Inspired by their love for music and grand events, they envisioned a festival that would transcend the ordinary. The festival's unique blend of elaborate stage designs, world-class DJs, and immersive experiences quickly set it apart. The Belgian Spirit While Tomorrowland has become a global sensation, its Belgian heritage is undeniable. Here's why: Attention to Detail: Belgians are renowned for their meticulous approach, which is evident in every aspect of Tomorrowland. From the intricate stage designs to the seamless organization, every detail is carefully considered. picture: Tomorrowland Festive Culture: Belgians have a deep-rooted love...

Adrien de Gerlache: Belgium's Antarctic Pioneer

Adrien de Gerlache de Gomery, born on August 2, 1866, in Hasselt, Belgium, was driven by the allure of the unknown. Despite Belgium's modest coastline and limited maritime history, de Gerlache yearned for adventure on the high seas. His insatiable curiosity led him to make groundbreaking discoveries, particularly in the polar regions. Adrien de Gerlache de Gomery Though initially studying at the Polytechnic School of the Free University of Brussels and later at the nautical school in Ostende, de Gerlache found his true calling in exploration. After working on ferry routes and in fisheries, he embarked on a journey that would define his legacy: the Belgian Antarctic Expedition of 1897-1899. At a time when much of the world had been explored, Antarctica remained a mysterious and largely uncharted continent. De Gerlache, determined to contribute to the global understanding of this remote land, acquired the ship Belgica and assembled an international crew. The expedition made histor...

Tintin: The Enduring Legacy of a Belgian Comic Book Hero

Tintin is the intrepid young reporter who has captivated audiences worldwide for nearly a century. Created by the Belgian cartoonist Hergé, Tintin first appeared in 1929 and quickly became a sensation. His adventures, accompanied by his loyal canine companion Snowy, transported readers to every corner of the globe, tackling mysteries, encountering exotic cultures, and thwarting villains. Picture by Pixabay Tintin's appeal is multifaceted. Hergé's clean, expressive ligne claire art style brought the characters and settings to life. The stories, though lighthearted on the surface, often touched on social and political themes, sparking curiosity and discussion. Tintin himself is a relatable hero – courageous, resourceful, and guided by a strong sense of justice. Tintin's legacy extends far beyond the comic book page. Translated into over 100 languages, the series has sold millions of copies worldwide. Tintin has been adapted for radio, film, television, and even theatre. S...

The Turbulent History of the Ghent Altarpiece: A Masterpiece Tested by Time

The "Adoration of the Mystic Lamb," also known as the Ghent Altarpiece, is a masterpiece of Flemish art created by the Van Eyck brothers, Hubert and Jan. This magnificent work boasts a long and dramatic history, filled with theft, destruction, and remarkable escapes. One particular panel, "The Just Judges," exemplifies the altarpiece's troubled past. Stolen in 1934, it remains missing to this day. Picture by Pixabay A Polyptych with a Price The altarpiece is a polyptych, meaning it consists of twelve individual panels. Eight of these panels can be folded closed, with the remaining eight painted on both sides. Hubert van Eyck began the work in 1426, but after his death, his younger brother Jan completed it in 1432. The altarpiece's journey began even before its creation was finished. Escaping the Beeldenstorm In 1566, during the Beeldenstorm (Iconoclasm), a wave of religious iconoclasm swept through the Netherlands. Catholics in Ghent managed to save th...

Brussels introduces first 100% electric horse carriage for tourists

The very first fully electric carriage arrived on Brussels' Grand Place. No horse to pull the carriage, but a completely silent electric motor. This new attraction offers tourists a unique way to explore the city without horses. The electric carriage, the brainchild of former operator Thibault Danthine, replaces the traditional horse-drawn carriages that were discontinued in 2022. Danthine decided to stop because of a staff shortage and criticism of the use of horses. "Carriages represent an era that is no longer in line with the expectations of our time, but the pleasure of discovering the city in this way remains great," he says. Picture: Pixabay Brussels is the first European city to use these electric carriages for tourism. Tourists can choose from different routes for €70 per group, taking them past landmarks such as the Kunstberg, the Stock Exchange, and Manneken Pis. Without horses, more places and streets are accessible. In addition to the first carriage unveile...

The giant jewel beetle of Leuven

A 23-meter high needle adorns a giant jewel beetle, pinned against the clouds in front of the university library of Leuven. The artwork of the Beatle is made by Jan Fabre, a world-famous Belgian multidisciplinary artist. The jewel beetle artwork that goes under the name of Totem is a gift from the university to the city, on the occasion of its 575th anniversary. The university wanted long-lasting quality and invited the artist in 2000 to design the concept. Jan Fabre got a wild card for the design. He found the ideas in drawings he made years ago. During a walk through the city, Jan Fabre ruled that the Ladeuzeplein was the best place for the giant jewel beetle. Jan Fabre explains his concept: The beetle is the memory of nature, a kind of senior computer world, a radar of human existence. The total work of art refers to a collection, a collection of insects pinpricks pricked and reversed. Importantly, the relationship with the university: collective memory of man, a bui...

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Amazing Belgium