Imagine hundreds of thousands of flowers, mainly dahlias, covering the 1,680 square meters of the Grand Place in the heart of Brussels. Every two years, the Belgian capital is transformed into a huge carpet of flowers for the FlowerCarpet. A spectacular feat achieved in just a few hours thanks to the passion and coordination of 120 dedicated volunteers. And for its 24th edition this year, the floral event will honor Japan, 10 years after the first collaboration between Belgium and the Land of the Rising Sun. Get ready to discover a unique colorful performance from August 13 to 16!
The Grand Place, theater of Brussels’ floral beauty
The history of the FlowerCarpet began in 1971 when Flemish landscape architect Etienne Stautemas laid the first carpet on the Grand Place. What started out as a simple carpet of begonias has become a veritable floral adventure over the years. After exporting this expertise around the world with more than 180 creations, the designers unanimously concluded that nowhere else is this feat as admirable as on the Brussels square.
© flowercarpet.brussels
A unique combination of botanical passion and national treasure has transformed this discreet display into an unmissable event, a pillar of the national calendar every two years for more than 50 years. And this summer, once again, flowers will cover the cobblestones of an architectural gem of Gothic and Baroque styles, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. A unique invitation to come and contemplate the “most beautiful square in the world” in a new light.
The 24th edition of the FlowerCarpet: an ode to Japan
For the 2026 edition, the theme of Japan promises poetic and fascinating designs, featuring cherry blossoms and traditional motifs, all imagined by artist Océane Cornille. More than just a decoration, this life-size carpet of dahlias celebrates the friendship and cultural exchange between two artistically linked nations. A truly immersive journey that continues in one of the delicious Japanese restaurants in the Sainte-Catherine district, or in the largest Japanese garden in Europe, less than an hour from Brussels.
To fully enjoy the spectacle, the balcony of the City Hall offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire mural, allowing you to appreciate every detail of this open-air masterpiece. We recommend planning your visit in advance, as this national event attracts millions of visitors from far and wide, who gather around one of Brussels’ greatest sources of pride. See you from Thursday, August 13 to Sunday, August 16, 2026, for a magical moment that is not to be missed!
