L'art prend le metro - Moving Ceiling

L'art prend le metro - art takes the tube. The artist Pol Bury. The tube station: Bourse.

We are back in underground Brussels. This time a tube stop in the middle of the city, close to the Stockmarket (Bourse). This piece of art from 1976 by Pol Bury is composed of 75 tubes, where as part is fixed to the ceiling, the other flexible - hence the name Moving Ceiling. Just look up.

Previously in the series of l'art prend le metro:
Eddy Merckx tube station.
Coovi tube station.
Heysel tube station.
Parvis de Saint Gilles tube station.
Horta tube station. More Horta.
Porte de Hall tube station.
Albert tube station.
Montgomery tube station. More Montgomery.
Louisa tube station. More Louisa.
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Cavalia

If Belgian, you will wonder why I am posting this now. Cavalia, the show, finished. Yet let me explain.

One, what is Cavalia? A show where men and horse merge into one beautiful example of magic, performance and precision. Or so they say. Personally I haven't been to see the show.

Two, after the initial success of Cavalia in Belgium posters and advertising signs like the one in the photo announce that Cavalia will be back in Brussels in August 2007. Tickets don't come cheap (90euro and more) but I am sure they will be sold out.

Has Cavalia been in your city?
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A l'Imaige Nostre-Dame

Not only a beautiful old sign, but also a great old bar in the center of Brussels. Of course like every good place in town, it is a little hidden and only the true connoisseurs know where it is. But for the Brussels DP readers, I will share the address with you: Impasse des Cadeaux 3, 1000 Brussels.
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La Tribune de Bruxelles

Back from a short Easter break, just to discover that La Tribune de Bruxelles, a Brussels weekly newspaper has named the 'Brussels Daily Photo' as the blog of the week, last week (no. 216).

Art Detail no. 2

Continuing with the underground art, the second art detail. Both photos, yesterday and today are taken in the Louisa tube station.
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Art Detail no. 1

I thought it might be a good idea to start the Easter Monday with some art. As I am away at the moment, I will have to rely on the stock photos I have - here a detailed example of the underground metro art.
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Easter ... Bug?

Happy Easter everyone!

Cordonnerie Suisse

Whilst walking down town Brussels, all you have to do is look up to find something different. Like this sign advertising a Swiss cobbler. I assume the sign is quite old as there is no cobbler to be found in the area.

Perhaps Bally used to have a shop in the center, and the sign stayed on?
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Brussels Architecture

Sunny sky (still), and a wonderful example of the different styles in Brussels. Here a detail of a quite impressive apartment block.
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Ixelles meets Saint Gilles

I have shown you photos of the Brussels communes before. Yet this is the first time when I come across an actual 'border' of communes, marked on the wall of a house: Ixelles to the left, Saint Gilles to the right. In total Brussels has 19 communes, and these two are quite centrally located.
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Ladybugs on the Wall

Three ladybugs on a wall. Someone with a lot of sense of humour has placed these three ladies up on a wall. I find it a cute idea - goes with the sunny mood of Brussels.
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Papeterie Legrand

In the series of grand signs around Brussels, I came across this one: Papeterie Legrand. the Legrand stationary shop. In italics you can read they are promoting the excellence of style.
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Spring or Summer?

With the weather now, I wonder - is it spring, is it summer? Then again, do I really care? :) As long as the sun keeps shining I will keep on smiling. Have a good and sunny week everyone.
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A mailbox at the ...

... Vatican! Now who saw this one coming? I knew that taking a photo of this Vatican post box while in Rome will come in handy one day.

Some interesting trivia: the Vatican sells Vatican stamps 'Citta del Vaticano', blessed by the Pope (!) and the only ones allowed in this Vatican mailbox. It also seems that the Vatican post is a lot faster than the Italian one, so Italians have been posting their mail from post boxes as above. Only hic-up in all this? The post boxes can only be found within the Vatican...

You've got mail around the world:
London (UK) -Grenoble (France) -Rotterdam (Netherlands) -Greenville SC (USA) -Hyde (UK) -Villigen (Switzerland) -Albuquerque NM (USA) -Mazatlan (Mexico) -Montréal (Canada) -Stayton OR (USA) -Shanghai (China) -Jing -Arradon (France) -Sequim WA (USA) -Newcastle upon Tyne (England) -Seattle WA (USA) -Kim -Bastia (Corse) -Minneapolis MN (USA) -Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) -Joplin MO (USA) -Sharon, CT (USA) -Cottage Grove MN [USA] -Houston, TX (USA) -Candice & Megan -Singapore - by Keropokman. -Guelph, ON (Canada) -Menton (France) -Monte Carlo, Monaco -Naples, FL (USA) -Kyoto (Japan) -Tokyo (Japan) -Aliso Viejo, CA (USA) -Cape Town (South Africa) -Jakarta (Indonesia) -Kitakami (Japan) -Tel Aviv (Israel) -Vantaa(Finland) -Guadalajara (Mexico) -Auckland (New Zealand) -Nelson (New Zealand) -Tuzla (B&H) -Brussels (Belgium) -Anderson, SC (USA) -Lubbock, TX (USA) -John, Melbourne, (Australia) -Stavanger (Norway) -Tenerife (Spain) -Stockholm (Sweden) -Boston, MA (USA) -Not Strictly Seattle, Susan -New York City, (USA), Ming the Merciless -Paris [Eric], (France) -Ampang (Selangor) -Sydney (Nathalie) Australia -ailea , HI (USA) -Manila (Philippines) -Sydney (Sally) Australia -Cork (Ireland) -Saarbrücken (Germany) -Saint Paul MN (USA) by Carol -San Diego, CA (USA) -Mexico [POLY], (Mexico) -Budapest (Hungary) -Singapore (Singapore by Zannnie) -Madrid [Dsole] (Spain) -Nottingham (England) -

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Le Carillon du Mont des Arts

I mentioned yesterday that some explanations will follow. You see the man and the bell in the right corner of the photo? That was my photo of yesterday. I also photographed a detail of the clock last year.

However, I always ignored this bronze map under the arcade. What you see is the Carillon du Mont des Arts. Which if I understand corretly means the 'figurine clock of the arts hill'.

Why the figurine clock? Well as you can see, the clock has 12 figurines which dance every hour, on the hour. And 24 bells which represent different regions of Belgium. Why the arts hill? Because the region around the clock is known as the Mont des Arts, where you can find most of Brussels museums, congress and exhibiton places, and the royal library.

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On Top of the World

Bells, on top of the world. Anyone guess where this is (Brussels residents more than others)? Tomorrow more on this.

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The Death of Music

It seems that since 1997 playing (live) music on public transport is forbidden by law. I was not aware of this law, however recently these fliers have been posted on trams, buses and tubes.

And ... the public transport world grew quiet.

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Going to the Movies

Going to the movies anyone?

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Amadeus

Amadeus, Amadeus. Another wonderful sign.
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Villa Felicitas

In Berlin at the moment.
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L'art prend le metro - La Terre en Fleur

L'art prend le metro - art takes the tube. The artist Edmond Dubrunfaut . The tube station: Louisa.

The message of this work of art should be the connection between the earth and nature, animals, and humans. The artist took into account a recommendation form UNESCO and created this 'Earth in Flower' in 1985.

What I find a pity is that this wonderfully expressive work of art is located at one of the lesser used exists of the Louisa tube station.

Previously in the series of l'art prend le metro:
Eddy Merckx tube station.
Coovi tube station.
Heysel tube station.
Parvis de Saint Gilles tube station.
Horta tube station. More Horta.
Porte de Hall tube station.
Albert tube station.
Montgomery tube station. More Montgomery.

L'art prend le metro - Droom van Poelaert

L'art prend le metro - art takes the tube. The artist Marcel Maeyer . The tube station: Louisa.

100 letters arranged in such a form they make up words in both Flemish and French, they describe the tube station Louisa, they describe the Palace of Justice above, the architect himself Joseph Poelaert. A quite psychedelic arranging of letters created in 1985 by Marcel Maeyer at the Louisa tube station.

Previously in the series of l'art prend le metro:
Eddy Merckx tube station.
Coovi tube station.
Heysel tube station.
Parvis de Saint Gilles tube station.
Horta tube station. More Horta.
Porte de Hall tube station.
Albert tube station.
Montgomery tube station. More Montgomery.

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Manneken Pis

And here one of the 12 stops along the 'Vous Etes Ici' exhibition, the Manneken Pis.

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From Brussels with Love

The purpose of the stamps yesterday was to create personalized post cards, and then hang them as shown. So after some artistic (failed) attempts of creating something clever, it dawned on me: would it not be great to say to you all a big 'HELLO'.

From Brussels with love, I thank you for dropping by daily. For taking a look. For discovering Brussels with me.

At the moment, I have about 100 visitors a day (thank you Statcounter). So would it not be great if you could all say HELLO today to the world through the comments below. Yes, I think it would be!
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Stamps

Part of the 'Vous Etes Ici' expo (see posts of Monday and Tuesday) were a collection of stamps with imprints of Brussels sights. Look out tomorrow for my little piece of art dedicated to you all (my readers and visitors).

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Vous Etes Ici

Vous Etes Ici - You Are Here. The new exhibition at the Halles St. Gery.

4 artists and 6 primary school classes have taken part in this 'Vous Etes Ici' exhibition. The aim? To let us rediscover 12 of Brussels iconic buildings.

The different artists have expressed their view on Brussels, and in an interactive way involve us - the visitors - in looking at Brussels in a different way. This particular part of the exhibition, shown in the photo, lets you create a puzzle of Brussels by connecting the 12 sites.
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Halles St. Gery

This week I will take you through an exhibit at the Halles St. Gery in down town Brussels. A wonderful building, the Halles St. Gery were built in 1881 and used as market warehouses. However in 1977 they had to be closed down.

Only recently did the Halles St. Gery undergo restructuring and the building has been classified (protected by Belgian law against any demolition, change etc) since 1987.

If in Brussels drop by the Halles St. Gery, not only for their beauty (and the beer bar down stairs) but also for the temporary exhibitions on show. Which is what I will share with you this week. The 'Vous Etes Ici' expo.

PS: for those of you wondering about the mystery people of yesterday, Frank left a very informative comment. Thank you, Frank.
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Mystery People

Not really Sunday graffitti, not really underground art.

Let me share with you my confusion: I have come across these mystery people (they are actual stickers) on walls everywhere around the Ixelles area. You have to imagine the stickers not being bigger than the size of a palm. This photo was taken just above the pavement at the street level.

Who are these people, what do they stand for, what is the message? You have no idea how confused, and mostly curious I am to find out! Help me out here.
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Reviens

Reviens. Help mon amour. Ton petit Rimbault.

Of course I could leave it at that as the message and probably the reasons behind it are beautiful. But just in case 'Come back. Help my love. Your little Rimbault'.

A (desperate?) love message on the window of a closed shop. For everyone to see, to reflect upon and wonder what happened. Love is everywhere.
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No. 19

As mentioned yesterday, now the door at no. 19. Again an Art Nouveau style door, with wonderful details on the door and above.

I wanted you to discover these doors as a pair, as they form an important part of the artistic beauty of Place St. Boniface.
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No. 17

A very sunny shot, I must admit. However I wanted to show you this door, part of a series of two. Built in an art nouveau style this door can be found in Ixelles, close to the St. Boniface square. The details on the door and most of all, above the door are fantastic.
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Russian Church

Something different for today. I keep writing about the diversity of Brussels, but rarely photograph it. Here an example: the Russian Orthodox Church in Uccle.

In a Novgorod style, the church was built by Russian Revolution refugees between 1936 and 1939 in memory of Tsar Nicolas II. Notice the wonderful roof details.

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Posterijen / Postes

I thought this made for at least an interesting photo. De Post - la Poste. This is an old sign for the Belgian Post by which I pass every day. Isn't it charming?
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Brusselization today

Brussels as it is for the past three days: sunny and beautiful. What you see is what you get. A typical Brussels street, where every house stays true to the Brusselization. Still as uncontrolled as ever, but oh so charming.
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Florian cherche Mayra

Florian cherche Mayra - Florian is looking for Mayra. Not exactly the usual 'l'art prend le metro' post of Sunday, but art nevertheless. I came across this flier last week and somewhere, it touched the teenager in me.

Florian (a Belgian?) recently met Mayra. Mayra is leaving for Argentina. Florian would like to see her once more before. We (the passersby) are supposed to let her know that if we see her.

Anyone know how the story ends?
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The GB

Something so trivis, yet a daily necessity: the supermarkets. I realize that although we share so many wonderful facts about our cities we sometimes forget the daily, mundane aspects. Here a GB supermarket. Part of the Carrefour Group, the GB is one of the three leading supermarkets in Belgium.

Out of curiosity, do you have Carrefour in your city/ country?

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Total Red

This photo was taken at the Autoworld Museum in Brussels. If you are into oldsmobiles and oldtimers, this is the museum for you.

Furthermore, if you are into Franquin, the famous cartoon character, the Autoworld Museum is hosting a special exhibition.

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Lots of V's

For anyone working in Brussels, specifically with the European Commission these little stickers are a known sight (nuisance?). Let me explain: when you enter (as a visitor) the EC buildings you need to register, pass control and then attach this sticker in a visible place. V stays for Visitors (I assume).

Going home from work one day it was very funny to see a whole lamp post filled with these stickers.

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Arret du Tram

In the mini series of signs, I came across this one: Arret du Tram/ Tramhalte. Which means 'Tram Stop'. Probably a signed used in the old days, when trams were a modern highlight to the city.

Brussels also has a wonderful Tram Museum, where you can see old trams and on the weekend, even take a ride through town on one of these trams. Very romantic I think.

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Knock, Knock

Who's there? Another door around Brussels.
Just as a reminder, a door from Brussels is posted today on Doorways Around the World. Maybe you can knock there as well, for a visit.

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The Red Tram

Just a very red tram. I so happened to be waiting for my own public transporation when this red tram passed by. A slick and clever advertising for Maltesers. Something red and funny for the start of the week.

By the way, do you have Maltesers in your city/ country?
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L'art prend le metro - Magic City

L'art prend le metro - art takes the tube. The artist Jean Michel Folon. The tube station: Montgomery.

Still staying underground. It is a delight to discover Brussels this way. The same tube station as yesterday, Montgomery hosts 3 different artists. Today Jean Michel Folon and his Magic City.

It's funny but you can easily miss this magic and futuristic sun. The mural is so big that it almost blends in, fades into the tube station. A sun set, or sun rise, in a magic futuristic city not sure if you will find good or evil on the other side. An interesting effect if you take the time to gaze into the magic city whilst going up and down the escalators.

Previously in the series of l'art prend le metro:
Eddy Merckx tube station.
Coovi tube station.
Heysel tube station.
Parvis de Saint Gilles tube station.
Horta tube station. More Horta.
Porte de Hall tube station.
Albert tube station.

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L'art prend le metro - Thema's 1976

L'art prend le metro - art takes the tube. The artist Pol Mara. The tube station: Montgomery.

The Andy Warhol of Belgium, Pol Mara produced art linked to publicity, cinema, sports, sex appeal, pin ups etc. He was commissioned to bring his art to the Montgomery tube station. His paintings remind of photography and show the human touch to an evironment marked by industry and technology.

Previously in the series of l'art prend le metro:

Eddy Merckx tube station.
Coovi tube station.
Heysel tube station.
Parvis de Saint Gilles tube station.
Horta tube station. More Horta.
Porte de Hall tube station.
Albert tube station.

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Point Zeroo

I know you will wonder what this is.

Recently, Point Zeroo was set up at the Brussels Central Station. A cube, Point Zeroo is an interactive installation by Chris Christoffels and Jose Roland. The aim? For us, travellers, to step inside the cube and create our own music by movement. At the same time blow-ups of Botticelli's 'The Birth of Venus' are shown on the outside of the cube.

I can assure you a very strange yet soothing experience.
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Men at Work

I am going to cheat. Well not cheat, cheat but show you men at work (the theme for today, 1 March 2007), but not at work in Brussels. As I have been abroad I did not get the chance to photograph men at work in Brussels so I opted for two men at work in the ... Vatican!

I spent my birthday in Rome (oh beautiful Rome), so here is a glimpse of two men hard at work at the Vatican entrance/ exit. It was difficult to get closer so I hope you enjoy the photo as it is.

Other men and/or women hard at work across the world:
1 (Porto (Portugal) ) -2 (Greenville SC (USA) ) -3 (Hyde (UK) ) -4 (Tenerife (Spain) ) -5 (Albuquerque, NM (USA) ) -6 (Stayton, OR (USA) ) -7 (Rotterdam (NL) ) -8 (Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) ) -9 (London (England) ) -10 (Richmond, VA (USA) ) -11 (Sydney -Sally (Australia) ) -12 (Newcastle upon Tyne (England) ) -13 (Constanta (Romania) ) -14 (Evry (France) ) -15 (Lubbock, TX (USA) ) -16 (Szentes (Hungary) ) -17 (Villigen (Switzerland) ) -18 (Mumbai (India) ) -19 (Tel Aviv (Israel) ) -20 (Twin Cities, MN [USA] ) -21 (Jakarta (Indonesia) ) -22 (Houston -Candice & Megan, TX (USA) ) -23 (Budapest (Hungary) ) -24 (Singapore - Zannnie (Singapore) ) -25 (Dubai (UAE) ) -26 (Singapore -Keropokman (Singapore) ) -27 (Madrid -Dsole (Spain) ) -28 (Mazatlan -Kate (Mexico) ) -29 (Nelson (New Zealand) ) -30 (Vantaa (Finland) ) -31 (Kyoto (Japan) ) -32 (Tokyo (Japan) ) -33 (Joplin, MO (USA) ) -34 (Auckland (New Zealand) ) -35 (Sequim, WA (USA) ) -36 (Menton (France) ) -37 (Minneapolis, MN (USA) ) -38 (Istanbul (Turkey) ) -39 (Sydney -Nathalie (Australia) ) -40 (Sharon, CT (USA) ) -41 (Seattle, WA (USA) ) -42 (Anderson, SC (USA) ) -43 (Monte Carlo, (Monaco) ) -44 (Milano, (Italy) ) -45 (Grenoble (France) ) -46 (Wailea, HI (USA) ) -47 (Guelph, ON (Canada) ) -48 (Melbourne - John (Australia) ) -49 (New York City (USA) [Ming_the_Merciless] ) -50 (Cebu (Philippines) ) -51 (Bandung (Indonesia) ) -52 (Antigua Guatemala (Central America) ) -53 (Hamburg (Germany) ) -54 (London -Jonemo (UK) ) -55 (Hong Kong ) -56 (Stavanger (Norway) ) -57 (Paris (France) ) -58 (Naples, Florida (USA) ) -59 (Saarbrücken (Germany) ) -60 (Shanghai (China) ) -61 (Quito (Ecuador) ) -62 (Zurich (Switzerland) ) -63 (Joensuu ( Finland ) ) -64 (Aliso Viejo, CA (USA) ) -65 (Cheltenham (England)) -66 (Bastia (Corsica, France)) -67 (Brussels (Belgium)) - 68 (Montreal, (Canada))