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Updated on December 20, 2017: Even if the majority of the art expos in this posts are ended, Mons is still very active culturally. Take a look at VisitMons to see the full schedule.
Each year since 1985, one or more towns a designated as European Capitals of Culture by the European Union. Countries that will host the Capital of culture are chosen in advance and cities post their candidature. This year, both Belgium and Czech Republic were chosen.
In Belgium, Mons and Liege raised their hands to be candidates. So why did Mons win?
… because on the due date, Liege didn’t present any project.
Did people from Mons know they were alone in the run? No. Thinking they were fighting against a much bigger town, they did their best and work together to find the best ideas to present a program that will blow people’s mind. They decided to open during the same year a new concert hall, 5 new museums and to set up 15 urban installations.
What did you do in a year? I was probably catching up on Game of Thrones….
What to do in Mons?
Tons of activities! Museums, music shows, expos, theatre, dance, name it.
On my side, I decided to practice my favorite activity and to walk following the path of urban installations.
15 artists put their works in the streets of Mons and colored the city with their arts and words. You can find the plan here.
To add to the fun, I suggest not to look at the other side of the map before finding the piece of art. It’s funnier to walk from number to number not knowing what you’ll find at the next corner.
Sometimes, it’s okay to take picture as a tourist.
(I wanted to be an annngel!)
A very long poem
If you didn’t walk enough, you can also read the 10 km long poem written on walls and ground around town.
Video filmed by my friend from the blog Scouich : Les mots de Mons 2015.
Practical info
- It takes a little less than an hour by train from Brussels to Mons. You can book your train tickets in advance on RailEurope to find the best price.
- No need to wake up early on weekends, most expos open around noon.
Planning a trip in Belgium? You might like these other posts:
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