As a travel enthusiast, I have always been fascinated by each place’s unique cultural experiences. So, when I heard about the Brussels Flower Carpet, I knew I had to see it for myself. The Flower Carpet is an extraordinary event that takes place once every two years in the heart of Brussels, Belgium, at the Grand Palace. As luck would have it, one of my colleagues mentioned the event to me, and I immediately decided to check it with the famous peeing statue Manneken.
History of the flower carpet
The history of the Brussels Flower Carpet can be traced back to the mid-19th century. In 1845, the first flower carpet was created in Brussels to celebrate the anniversary of the Independence of Belgium. The architect of the Grand Palace, Gédéon Bordiau, and the famous horticulturist Louis Van Houtte organized this event.
The first flower carpet was made of 1,800 dahlias and covered a small area in the city’s centre. However, it was so well received that it became an instant tradition and a new flower carpet was created every two years. The designs became more intricate, and the number of flowers used increased exponentially.
Over the years, the flower carpet event has become a major tourist attraction and a significant cultural event in Brussels. The event has gained worldwide recognition and has been featured in various media outlets, including newspapers, magazines, and television shows.
The carpet has also undergone some changes over the years. Initially, it was only made of dahlias, but now other flowers such as begonias, grasses, and various colourful annuals are used to create intricate designs.
Location of the flower carpet
On the day of my visit, I woke up to a grey and foggy morning. However, I was still excited to see the Flower Carpet and hoped the weather would clear up during the day. So, I hopped on the train and headed to the Grand Palace in the centre of Brussels.
As I arrived, it was easy to find the Flower Carpet, with its dimensions of 75m long and 24m wide. The stunning display was set up right in the middle of the Grand Palace, surrounded by Brussels’s beautiful architecture and historic buildings.
As I wandered around the carpet, looking for the perfect spot to take some pictures, I found capturing the whole carpet in a single shot challenging. With several visitor layers, finding a good vantage point was hard. However, I didn’t give up and kept exploring the area. I noticed a balcony where people were taking pictures and moving around.
City Hall balcony: best view
I was intrigued, and upon checking it out, I found out that the balcony was part of the City Hall, which was open to the public and decorated with flowers. I didn’t waste any time and paid the entrance fee for the tour. The City Hall was a stunning building with breathtaking floral decorations. However, the tour’s highlight was the balcony with a panoramic view of the Flower Carpet.
As I made my way up to the balcony, I noticed that the other visitors were waiting to see the carpet from this vantage point. However, the wait was worth it, as the view was spectacular. Seeing the Flower Carpet from above, with its intricate designs and colours, was indeed an unforgettable experience.
In conclusion, my visit to the Brussels Flower Carpet was an incredible experience. The event only occurs once every two years, so I felt lucky to have witnessed it. The Grand Palace is a beautiful venue, and the floral decorations of the City Hall added to the overall beauty of the event. I highly recommend checking if you’re ever in Brussels when the Flower Carpet is on display (official web). It is a celebration of art, culture, and nature and an experience you’ll never forget. If you like flowers, I recommend going to Keukenhof, the Netherlands’ world’s most extensive flower garden.