Have you ever heard of Mons, the European Capital of Culture for 2015? If you haven’t, here’s a quick guide to the contemporary galleries in Mons to get you acquainted with the arty scene in the city (hint: there’s a big one).
Mons is a hilltop town nestled in the depths of the Belgian countryside. It boasts cobblestone streets, twisting, winding alleyways lined with trinket shops, boutique stores, stylish coffee shops, and artist studios. During 2015, it will open its arms to art-lovers from all over the world, putting on an eclectic range of street performances, outdoor art installations, contemporary exhibitions and more throughout the museums and galleries, as well as on the city streets.
This is the first in a series of posts I’ll be publishing about the art scene in Mons, in preparation for its role as the European Capital of Culture next year.
Beaux-Arts Mons
This is the city’s flagship contemporary art haunt, featuring temporary exhibitions by emerging Flemish artists as well as those from further afield. In 2015, BAM (as it’s abbreviated to) is planning an extravaganza exhibition showcasing the work of Vincent Van Gogh. From the 25th January next year, the white-cube art space will open its doors to thousands of visitors wanting to walk amongst pieces by one of the world’s most famous artists.
Espac’Artgallery
This is another white-cube space that opens its doors to contemporary artists from all walks of life. Since its opening in 1999, it’s showcased pieces from over 150 different artists – both local and international. The quirky space features a loft-style upper floor, which provides an intimate space to look at and admire the work on display.
Musee du Masque
Home to over 10,000 masks and costumes, the Musee du Masque dedicates itself to educating visitors about the performances and dress of numerous cultures from around Europe. It hopes to show the similarities between the traditions, but also the vast differences between places that are so close geographically. A great place to visit if you have an interest in anthropology or simply want to explore some exquisitely designed costumes (and a selection of creepy masks).
Musee de la Photographie
This award winning gallery is one of the largest photography-dedicated hotspots in Europe. Showcasing the works of local and international photographers, it also has specialist rooms for digitally-enhanced exhibitions and tricks of the trade. There’s also a walk-through historical experience, including a fascinating room featuring a giant pinhole camera.
Musee Francois Duesberg
This is a bit of a curiosity museum, boasting a collection of old trinkets and interesting antiques collected by Francois Duesberg himself. Throughout the three-rooms, visitors can wander amongst intricate gilded timepieces, ornate, patterned porcelain, and a quirky collection of silver tea and coffee sets. The museum aims to showcase a pocket of what life was like in high-class Belgium during the 18th and 18th Centuries and is the city’s in-house decorative arts gallery.
Image from Wikimedia Commons
I have every intention of visiting Mons in 2015 to explore its arts and cultural scene for myself and, by the looks of things, it has a lot to offer the art-inspired traveller.
