PRESS FILE FLOWERTIME 2015
“Brussels and gardens, a long and beautiful love story. The best evidence of this is the great number of
parks and spaces that fit perfectly into our urban geography and offer inhabitants havens of tranquillity
and relaxation. In parallel with the biannual Flower Carpet, that needs no introduction, we present
Flowertime 2015.
Building on the success of the first edition of this new floral art event in Brussels, we have decided to
organise a second biannual event, that takes up residence during the summer at the very heart of our
capital!
This year, the summer floral collection will be a master stroke. From 13 to 16 August 2015, the city centre
will truly dazzle with plants: from the moment you arrive on the Grand-Place, the Italian garden will offer
itself to you so you can walk through it with wide-eyed awe. After that, dive into the universe of the City
Hall, lit up all along your walk, so you can admire the talents in action, the beauty of the arrangements
and their integration into this 15th Century building.
Have a wonderful summer!”
Yvan Mayeur
Magistrate of the City of Brussels
President of the ASBL (non-profit organisation) Tapis de Fleurs de Bruxelles
Flowertime 2015
Press release ................................................................................................................................... 3
Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 4
The Floralies of Ghent artists: virtuosos of floral creation ............................................................. 6
Brussels City Hall ............................................................................................................................. 8
Flowertime 2015: practical information ....................................................................................... 11
Press contacts ............................................................................................................................... 12
Acknowledgements....................................................................................................................... 15
Press release
The Grand-Place and the City Hall at the time of Italian Baroque…
Flowertime 2015.
It is perhaps still fresh in your memory: the splendid floral art garden of Floraliëntime’s first edition in
summer 2013, on the Brussels Grand-Place and in the City Hall. It was a resounding success, with more
than
20
000
visitors
over
4
days.
It is with great pleasure that we announce the second edition of this great biannual international display
of floral and botanical art, with a new name that speaks to all flower enthusiasts: Flowertime.
This edition will take place from 13 to 16 August 2015, on the Grand-Place and in the Brussels City Hall,
around the theme of Italian Baroque: Italian gardens will be transported to the heart of Brussels, as if
by magic. A refreshing and ambitious project!
Baroque: where history transcends time
In order to better set the scene for 2015, let us tell you about the origins of the word "Baroque".
Its roots are Portuguese: "barrocco" means "big, irregular-shaped rock". The Italian language adopted
this idiom and made it known throughout the world! The current meaning of this strange word is
"extravagant", "unexpected ", and therefore "Irregular"!
The Baroque movement thus represents a diversion from classic forms and the freedom of creation,
resulting in opulence, fantasy and decoration loaded with whorls, spirals and the use of polychrome
marble.
To retrace the origins of Baroque, let us travel back to the 2nd half of 16th Century Italy. This new
movement was to spread its influence all over Europe. The architecture of castles, churches, and urban
developments were all to undergo its irresistible influence. Vienna, Prague, Nancy, the Pays de Loire,
Germany, England, Denmark and even Russia were in turn enticed by the Baroque style.
Thanks to this movement, curves became generous, the roofs of European church towers gradually took
on a graceful roundness, sculptures of chubby-cheeked angels filled the churches and ceilings
incorporated the sky, an important part of trompe l’œil frescoes. Light changed, chiaroscuro became
fashionable and artists allowed themselves to paint the first special effects in history.
At the same time, this freedom of forms inspired a new art of creating and embellishing gardens. Little
by little, they became more creative compositions and botanical theatres.
Landscape gardeners created country house spaces, terraces decorated with plants, balconies and
mirrors of water in which sculpted fountains were reflected. Geometry incorporated whorls, topiary art
and flowers brought colour to the whole space to please the senses.
Gardens became living spaces in their own right… And this is what visitors will discover on the GrandPlace from 13 August. For 4 days, visitors will have the opportunity to walk through the garden of the
Grand-Place and will have the unique chance to wander through the magnificent rooms of the City Hall
to discover the floral arrangements.
Flowertime is a biannual initiative, whose creators are...
 the City of Brussels,
 the asbl (non-profit organisation) Tapis de fleurs de Bruxelles, organiser of the renowned
Brussels Flower Carpet,
 the Floralies Gantoises, who have been pioneers in the world of floral and botanical art in
Belgium for centuries,
 the renowned florists of our 3 regions who do us the honour of taking part in this incredible
challenge and whose listing you will find at the end of this file.
NEW: Aperitif nights!
This year, visitors will not only have the opportunity, from 7.30 to 10 pm, to benefit from the floral
exhibition in the City Hall, but also to taste an Italian aperitif to the sound of an orchestra in the
prestigious Ogivale room. (Price: 8 Euro)
Further information: www.flowertime.brussels
Introduction: presentation of a seasonal product
Flowertime: a delicious recipe for going GREEN!
What you will need:
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a city with a well established reputation for hospitality and for living well;
thousands of enthusiastic, 'into nature' visitors;
an original project in line with the history of an ancient site;
cool sensations, talent and beauty;
a challenge that corresponds with current thinking;
a solid green thread which creates a link between this earth and the humans it welcomes.
Procedure:
Mix all the ingredients together and don't forget to add:
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summer temperatures;
creative craftspeople;
botanical experts;
logistics know-how;
efficient synergy;
and especially... partners who are just as motivated as they are involved.
The result:
A very colourful seasonal product!
Flowertime: a unique collaboration
Flowertime will be backed by three renowned organisations:
 the Ghent Floraliën (www.floralien.be), made in Belgium organisation which has been master of
floral and botanical art for centuries (it was set up in 1808!);
 the non-profit organisation Flower Carpet of Brussels (www.flowercarpet.be), expert in begonia
arrangements for over 25 years;
 the City of Brussels (www.brussels.be), specialist in organising events on the Grand-Place and in
its different historical buildings.
Flowertime: already a summer classic!
Brussels is a priceless treasure trove of parks, gardens, forest, and squares – all exceptional green spaces
which add to its “green melody”. So if the city chooses to join forces with the renowned Ghent Floraliën,
these walks in the garden will naturally find their place in the calendar of European capital's festive
traditions!
The first edition of this 'in situ' intervention by landscape decorators and contemporary florists will
transform Brussels Grand-Place and City Hall into a magnificent garden so you can walk along its paths
with joy and wonder!
Flowertime takes place every two years, alternating with an event that is well known by all amateurs of
aesthetics: the Brussels Flower Carpet.
The Floralies of Ghent artists: virtuosos of floral creation
From 13 through 16 August 2015, Brussels City Hall, the setting for a grand floral event, serves for four
whole days as a place for encounters between contemporary floral art, amazing plants and Belgian
craftsmanship. This year, 25 florists derive their inspiration from the key principles of Baroque art.
The event is organised by the KMLP and offers a sneak preview of what can be expected next year at
the new edition of Ghent Floralies.
With 'Flowertime, Flowers in Brussels City Hall', the KMLP demonstrates once more that our country
possesses the expertise and creativity to organise an international floral art event. Following a successful
first edition in 2013, the second edition takes place 13 through 16 August 2015.
Italian Baroque and flowers in the centre of Brussels
Twenty-five talented floral creatives from Flanders, Brussels and Wallonia are responsible for decorating
the City Hall in flowers, and derive their inspiration from the key principles of Baroque art: the rich and
opulent use of materials, bilateral symmetry, complex patterns and the extravagant use of decoration.
Just like the Italian Baroque painters the florists seek inspiration from the theme and the colours of the
historic setting and their refined and creative flower arrangements testify to their great craftsmanship.
Grand Place - On the Grand Place you can nonchalantly stroll along an avenue of majestic cypress trees
that arouse your curiosity and make you eager to discover the masterpieces inside the City Hall; a first
subtle reference to Italy.
Proceed through the gate to the inner courtyard of the City Hall and discover the charm of Italian inner
courtyards with a series of oleanders and Mediterranean plants. De Groene Verbeelding, a flower
arranging school from Mater - inspired by nature and technical possibilities – will decorate the square
with abstract nests.
City Hall - Allow yourself to be amazed, in the building's various prestigious rooms, by beauty,
flourishing ideas and the very latest decorative trends: the hall, the corridors, the offices, the meeting
rooms and the reception rooms of Brussels City Hall will be decorated with dozens of unique and
breathtaking flower arrangements for four whole days.
As soon as you enter the City Hall, the floral creations by Olivier Petillion and Stijn Simaeys instantly
provide you with an introduction to the Italian Baroque theme.
The entrance, the staircase and the large corridor on the first floor will be decorated by Christine
Verhelst, Olivier Papeleux, Natallia Sakalova, Vanessa Colle, Stephane Brassaert, Olivier Segin, Chantal
Post, Favy Fredrix, Joelle Ghio, Ness Klorofyl and Jolien Vanderstappen.
Mark Colle is also one of the participating florists. This summer he will create a stunning flower
installation in the City Hall's council chamber in honour of Flowertime. The first-class florist is known for
his collaboration with major fashion designers such as Dries van Noten, Ann Demeulemeester and Raf
Simons (Dior). Mark Colle on floral art: "It was not love at first sight. But I realised that I could effectively
counter my rebellion by occupying myself with flowers".
Lieve Buysse, a talented florist from Lokeren and an established value among floral artists, sets to work
with her flowers in the College Room.
The Maximilian Room owes its name to the painting depicting Archduke Maximilian of Austria and is
modestly occupied for the occasion by Sören Van Laar. He has been fascinated by nature from an early
age and uses floral art to search for a way of providing materials from nature with a new platform. His
motto: "Learn and derive inspiration from others".
The Grangé Gallery - which displays a series of portraits by the painter Louis Grangé - will be decorated
by Moniek Vanden Berghe. As well as being an authority on floral art and the designer for the Belgian
design company Serax, Moniek Vanden Berghe also decorates exhibition stands and is a popular teacher
at home and abroad. What's more, her colourful and innovative bridal bouquets have evolved to
become an international 'standard of excellence'.
With the ambition of imparting the pleasure of the flower profession to the visitor, Charlotte
Bartholomé enthusiastically adorns the Mayor's waiting room. Charlotte Bartholomé (aged 24)
followed her florist’s training in Bergen and Ghent and has already worked alongside renowned floral
artists such as Lieve Buysse and Daniel Ost on several major projects such as Ghent Floralies,
international flower fairs and diverse exhibitions.
Flower arrangers are genuinely able to uplift an atmosphere. Frederiek Van Pamel, talented floral
artist and a household name in Bruges, in association with the Upcomming Florists, brightens up the
rooms in the City Hall with a surprising space-filling creation.
The Wedding Hall, an old pageantry room in the purest of neo-Gothic styles, will be decorated by
Tom Nackaerts, a talented flower arranger and a passionate driving force behind the profession. His
creative vision and great attention to quality products are very much appreciated and have been
honoured at home and abroad.
Participating florists:
Charlotte Bartholomé, Stephan Brassaert, Lieve Buysse, Mark Colle, Vanessa Colle, Sofie Cooymans,
Davy Fredrix, Joelle Ghion, Ness Klorofyl, Tom Nackaerts, Olivier Papeleux, Olivier Petillion, Chantal Post,
Natallia Sakalova, Olivier Seghin, Stijn Simaeys, An Theunynck, Sören Van Laer, Frederiek Van Pamel,
Moniek Vanden Berghe, Jolien Vanderstappen, Christine Verhelst, KUFB/URFB (Royal Union of Belgian
Florists)
Organised by KMLP, the organisation behind Floralies of Ghent. With thanks to Smithers-Oasis, AVBS
commissie Begonia, the Agora Group and Rekad publishers.
The organisation behind Ghent Floralies, the Royal Society for Agriculture and Botany (KMLP), was
founded 207 years ago. It owes its royal title to King William I of the Netherlands, who agreed to be its
patron in 1815. The very first flowers and plants exhibition was organised in 1808, in a Ghent inn and
has since experienced the most spectacular growth and evolution. In 2016, the Floralies will leave the
exhibition halls at Flanders Expo and return to the city.
Brussels City Hall
A gothic gem
The City Hall, celebrated countless times by the greatest figures that have gone through the Brussels
Grand-Place, is a gothic architectural gem.The superb spire with its openwork design that sublimates the
building, can be seen spring up from the neighbouring streets and heights – an architectural landmark
that has graced the Brussels urban landscape for more than five centuries.
The 300 statues or so that decorate the building pay homage to different figures that have left their
mark on the political, economic and cultural life of Brussels through the centuries. The City Hall has
housed the municipal authorities since the 15th century, and the mayors and aldermen that have
followed each other are fully aware that they work in a prestige setting marked by their illustrious
predecessors.
The balcony on the first floor is the preferred spot from which sovereigns, Belgian personalities and
distinguished guests attend the festivities held on the Grand-Place and are acclaimed by the populace.
Saint Michael, emblem of the city
Rising more than 90 metres, the Archangel Michael striking down a daemon – the symbol of the city –
casts a tireless glance over the Brussels panorama. The current five-metre gilt metal weather vane at the
top of the spire is a copy of the original work by Martin Van Rode dating from 1455.
Two falsely similar wings
The two wings of the building, separated by the tower and fringed by two turrets, were not built
concurrently, which explains the difference in style. The six arcades on the right rest on rectangular
bases alternating with columns, whereas the narrower eleven arcades on the left rest on pillars. In what
is a unique particular feature, two pillars were replaced in the 19th century by hanging keystones that
allow for an easier access to the Lion stairway that leads to the interior of the building.
The left wing is decorated with rectangular bay windows. The windows on the second floor are capped
by a blind arch, the gothic trefoil shape of which goes well with the openwork top of the high
windows of the right wing. The effigies of the historical figures are repeated and repeated over the
entire façade. A series of closely spaced statues separates the two upper floors of the left wing and the
tower, whilst two continuous lines of more spaced statues decorate the piers of the bay windows,
running from one turret to the other, and seem to escape to the side façade. They contribute to the
building’s fine unity of style, reinforced by the balcony that unifies the two wings and the balustrade
with openwork crenellation, reminiscent of the crenels of old fortifications. Four rows of dormer
windows give rhythm and relief to the immense surface of the roof. The lightness of this fine
architectural entity is accentuated by the absence of external pillars, replaced by hanging keystones
suspended in the void.
The Lion stairway
As of the 15th century, a stairway decorated simply by a balustrade led to the main entrance of the
building, which opens onto two large ceremonial rooms on the first floor, the Great assembly hall used
for ceremonies, and the Court room, where the guilds met as well.
Lions were added in 1770.
In 1866, during the restoration works on the City Hall, Pierre-Victor Jamaer designed a new set of front
steps with an openwork balustrade, quatrefoil motifs and two small columns with a lion each bearing
the arms of Brussels.
Inner courtyard
Dating from the beginning of the 18th century, and built by Jean de Kinder and Pierre-Denis Plumier
respectively, the two fountains are decorated with allegorical statues representing the two big rivers
that cross Belgium, the Meuse and the Scheldt. In the middle of the courtyard, the large star represents
kilometre zero, the geographic centre of Belgium, from which the distances to other cities are
calculated. The dates inscribed on the ground attest to the major construction phases of the City Hall,
1402 and 1444 for the two gothic wings of the main façade, 1715 and 1717 for the rear building.
Large hallway
A gallery with portraits of the sovereigns and their governors who have reigned over the different States
to which Brussels has belonged is located in the vestibule on the first floor and in the Grangé gallery
which continues from it. These portraits belonged to the States of Brabant, the parliament of the duchy
which had the south and west wings of the Town Hall built after the bombardment of 1695. The large
painting that dominates the vestibule shows the canal superintendents and collectors inspecting the
lock of the Willebroek canal at Petit- Willebroek. The municipal council room was arranged in the 18th
century by the States of Brabant which held their sessions there. The three tapestries on the wall
represent key moments in the city’s political life. The municipal executive (the mayor and aldermen)
meet in the Maximilian room.
Grangé gallery – Portrait gallery
A long corridor that leads to the Mayor’s antechamber, the gallery is lined with the busts of Kings
Leopold II and Albert I, and their respective spouses, Marie-Henriette and Elisabeth. A series of six
paintings painted by Louis Grangé in 1718 represent the line of Spanish sovereigns, Philip the Fair,
Charles V, Philip II, Albert and Isabella, Philip IV and Charles II.
Municipal council room
In Louis XIV style, the décor of this hall, which was designed to host the assembly of the States of
Brabant, is lavish and intricate. The imposing tapestries depict the inaugurations of Philip the Good and
Charles the VI as Dukes of Brabant in 1430 and 1717 respectively, as well as the abdication of Charles V
in 1555. The fireplace is decorated by the mitre and the cross, symbolising the clergy, on the left, and by
the helm and the banner, symbols of the nobility on the right.
Facing the fireplace, on the piers that separate the windows, are the coats of arms of Antwerp, Brussels
and Leuven, three of the main cities of the Duchy of Brabant. Painted by the Brussels painter Victor
Honoré Janssens, the ceiling represents crown to an allegorical depiction of the Duchy of Brabant amidst
the assembly of the gods.
This room is today used to hold the sessions of the municipal council, attended by the mayor, the
aldermen and the municipal counsellors.
Maximilian Room
The room in which the board of aldermen meets owes its name to the portraits of the Emperor
Maximilian of Austria (1459-1591) and his wife Mary of Burgundy (1457-1482), Duchess of Brabant,
painted by Cluysenaar in 1889. The tapestries date from the 18th century and depict certain memorable
events from the life of Clovis, first king of the Franks.
Mayor’s antechamber
The paintings that decorate this antechamber were painted by Jean Baptise Van Moer between 1872
and 1874. They represent different quarters of Brussels before the drainage works on the River Senne
decided by Jules Anspach in 1867. This gigantic undertaking would change the appearance of Brussels
and lead to the creation of major arteries on the model of Haussmann’s boulevards in Paris.
Main staircase
Bathed in light, the stairway and the landing are decorated with busts of the mayors of Brussels since
1830. The paintings on the walls and the ceilings, created in 1893 by Count Jacques de Lalaing, illustrate
“The Glorification of Municipal Power”. This feeling of pride is reinforced by the presence of a number of
emblematic figures such as Jean de Locquenghien or Everard t’ Serclaes. At the foot of the stairway, the
fountain is topped by an imposing statue of the Archangel Michael, the city’s patron saint, executed in
1890 by Charles Van der Stappen.
Gothic room
Reserved for major receptions and official meetings of the city, this room is panelled entirely in wood
and decorated with Mechelen tapestries produced between 1875 and 1881 that evoke old Brussels
trades: goldsmiths, embroiderers, painters, tapestry-makers, brewers and masons. Two other tapestries
hanging on either side of the entrance door show the four oaths of Brussels seemingly keeping guard.
The bronze statues represent mainly former Brussels mayors who served from 1386 to 1500. It is in this
prestigious room that the Dukes of Brabant swore to protect and preserve the rights and privileges of
the city, that the Charter of the Union of Cities of 1577 was signed, and the most magnificent of
banquets was held in honour of Philip the Good. It was decorated with sumptuous tapestries and
paintings at the time – inestimable treasures which were unfortunately reduced to ashes during the
bombardment of 1695.
Wedding room
The walls of this former courtroom still resonate with the pronouncement of the death sentence of
Counts Egmont and Hornes in 1568. Known also as the Room of nations, it served as the meeting place
of the guilds assembled as nine nations, as still attested by the motifs painted on the ceilings. In this
room have been held the civil marriage ceremonies for inhabitants of the City of Brussels through the
ages, as illustrated by the triptych painted by Charles-Léon Cardon in 1881. It represents the City
presiding over the institution of marriage, surrounded by Law and Justice, both of which are personified
by the Archangel Michael.
Text excerpted from the book “Toute la lumière sur la Grand-Place de Bruxelles” [Everything You Always Wanted to
Know about the Brussels Grand-Place] by Lillo Chiarenza, Valérie Paelinck and Philippe Denis, Queen II 2013
publication.
The paragraph on the “Large hallway” is excerpted from the “Guide de Poche Bruxelles” [Brussels Pocket Guide],
VisitBrussels 2013 publication.
Flowertime 2015: practical information

10, 11 and 12 August 2015: Exhibition set up
By appointment, only for journalists: meeting with the organisers, option of visiting and seeing the
creation of Flowertime.
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12 August 2015: Press day
Floral arrangement set up in the City Hall
Finalisation of external gardens
Upon request: meeting with the organisers throughout the day
From 3 pm Opening of the City Hall and option of going on the FLOWERTIME 2015 walk. Photos and
artist interviews
8.30 pm Official inauguration of FLOWERTIME 2015 (by invitation only)

13, 14, 15 and 16 August 2015: public opening
From 10 am to 10 pm: opening of the City Hall: floral walk through all the accessible rooms and offices.

Tickets
Contribution to costs: 5 Euro
Presales www.flowertime.brussels
www.flowercarpet.be
Group price from 25 persons, 4 Euro;
Free entry for children under the age of 10.
Music will accompany the walks from 10 am to 10 pm.
Points of sale:
o
o
o
Online at www.agenda.be and www.visitbrussels.be
Visit Brussels shops on the Grand Place and at BIP (Rue Royale 2, 1000 Brussels) from 9
am to 6 pm
At the entrance of the City Hall
Further information: www.flowertime.brussels
Press contacts
Voice Agency
Elisa Roux (FR) – 02 340 92 46 – GSM : 0477 699 287– Email : elisa@voice.be
Karel Goethals (NL) – 02 340 92 41 – GSM : 0485 829 652 – Email : karel@voice.be
Visual material and interviews available on request.
Website: www.flowertime.brussels
Acknowledgements...
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The City of Brussels and its services
The Brussels-Capital Region
Ghent Floralies
Our floral artists and contributors
The National Lottery
Léonidas chocolates
Hotel Amigo
STIB
SNCB
Interparking
JC Decaux
RTBF – La Première and Viva Bruxelles
L’Avenir
Radio 2
CBC
KBC
Fintro
Sofitel-brussels-le-louise.com
Sofitel-brussels-europe.com
Plaza Hotel
Leopold Hotel
Hasseltmillésime
Visit Brussels
The traders around the Grand-Place
… And all the motivated partners who contribute to the success of this summer display.