Route

Exploring Mons also means going for a walk. Mons 2015 propose:
- Contemporary Architecture Route 
- A stroll to the town
- 9 good reasons to discover Mons 

Contemporary Architecture Route

Contemporary architecture takes pride of place in the cultural development of Mons. The slogan of Mons 2015, « Where technology meets culture » illustrates the town's wish to offer the public infrastructures of quality within a heritage city such as the town of Mons.
Here are a few examples, including completed work and projects under way. Set out to explore them; it's really worth the detour!

To see our brochure presenting contemporary architecture, click here.

A stroll through the town...

With just a « click » you can easily find the object of your visit in the list below.
But leave free rein to your curiosity. The speciality of Mons is its ability to create special atmospheres in every place in town. Visit the Grand Place in Mons, with its Gothic town hall (Hôtel de Ville), and then carry on just a little way to the BAM, a window opening onto the world of art. Enjoy your walk! 

 

The spots' list : Mundaneum, Home of van Gogh (Maison Van Gogh), François Duesberg Museum (Musée François Duesberg), Collegiate Church of Sainte-Waudru (Collégiale Sainte-Waudru), La Maison Folie, Le manège.mons, the Abattoirs (Les Abattoirs), the Arts Square (Le Carré des Arts), BAM - Mons Fine Arts Museum (Beaux-Arts Mons), Mons Station, the Mons 2015 Foundation (Fondation Mons 2015), the Water Machine (La Machine à Eau), Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville), the Belfry (Beffroi), Mons Theatre Royal (Théâtre Royal de Mons) 

Nine good reasons to discover Mons 

1. Visit the Unesco treasures

During your visit to Mons, discover three works of art that UNESCO has listed as World Heritage sites: the neolithic mines of Spiennes from which flint was sent to the four corners of Europe, the recently restored Belfry that dominates the city from the superb landscape gardens, the only baroque belfry in Europe, and the "Doudou" which, each Trinity Sunday, makes the heart of each inhabitant and friend of Mons dance to the rhythm of its traditional music.

2. Greet Sainte Waudru

A stone's throw from the baroque Belfry, the collegiate church of Sainte Waudru asserts the serenity of its gothic naves. It's a universe of silence, peace and meditation that presides over the fabulous alabaster sculptures of Jacques Dubroeucq, a Mons designer from the Renaissance. It is also here that you can hear the polyphonic marvels of Roland de Lassus, born in Mons before asserting himself throughout Europe, in Milan, Naples, Rome and finally at the court of the Dukes of Bavaria.

3. Visit the various museums

In 2015, Mons will have succeeded in creating a real ambitious and eclectic museum project. From the "Abattoirs" to the "BAM" (Mons Fine Arts Museum) for contemporary art, from the Memorial for peace to the Myth of Saint George Interpretation Centre via the "Mundaneum" for history, from the Sainte Waudru's Treasures to the Duesberg Museum for the jewels of the past, it's a real series of marvels which will again be made accessible. It will recite the history, development and creations of a city on the move.

4. Dream of angels

It's a story that has crossed the Channel and more. It's the story of a celestial cohort of archer angels that at the start of the war 1914-18 supported and encouraged the English troupes stuck on the outskirts of Mons. It's the birth of a legend that made Winston Churchill write that "Mons is a predestined city". It's a hand outstretched to fantasy, dreams and friendship, a chapter of hope in the heart of a tragedy. The Legend of the Angels will be at the heart of the Memorial for Peace Corps and Arms which will open in Mons in 2014 on the site of the Water Machine.

5. Timeless walks

Mons is also a passionate and mysterious medieval city. The gargoyles of Sainte Waudru overlook the alleyways of the old town. Take time to lose yourself there and savour the charm of the hanging gardens of the ramparts of the Belfry. And then skip a few centuries and discover the "Maison Losseau", an Art Nouveau haven which in 2015 will house an exuberant literary cafe in memory of Verlaine and Rimbaud.

The coalman's house where Vincent van Gogh lived, Paul Verlaine's prison cell, the boulevards glorified by Charles Plisnier and the Belfry that Victor Hugo mocked, all these places take you on an unbelievable journey through the arts and centuries, which will only be improved between now and 2015.

6. Discover the art of today

Mons is the home of cultural design. The Royal Chamber Orchestra of Wallonia for classical music and the "Ensemble Musiques Nouvelles" for contemporary music offer a wide variety of sounds. The "Théâtre du Manège" is a bastion of theatrical creation where some ten productions come to life each year. The "manège.mons" was created there and brings together theatrical, musical, digital and community productions. Each season it offers more than a hundred high-quality events including the famous "Festival au Carré". As for design, Mons can cite among its most innovative creations the "Maison du Design" and the World Craft Council. And let's not forget the art schools combined under the Art² label: they are a real talent incubator. Not to mention the hundreds of associations which brighten up the city with their many events including the Saint John's fires.

7. Experience the intensity of the "Doudou"

If you can only spend one day in Mons, make sure you choose Trinity Sunday. That way you can experience Saint George fighting the Dragon at the heart of this ritual fair before joining in the jubilations in a packed and friendly crowd.

8. Enjoy sizzling evenings

Mons is a friendly, festive and open city. The terraces of the "Grand-Place" are jam-packed from the first days of spring and students meet at the "Place du Marché-aux-Herbes" every Friday evening to liven up proceedings.

9. Broaden your horizons

In a city of heritage, Mons ventures mobility and contemporary architecture. The new multi-modal station project has been entrusted to Santiago Calatrava. It will be a real link between the two parts of the city, the historic city and the site of the "Grands Prés". A station as a symbol of reconciliation between culture and cutting-edge technologies. 

20 years old in 2015 CEC Pilsen