Rethinking Rodin: Mons Exhibition Invites Visitors to Ponder

This week, a new international exhibition opened in Southern Belgium to celebrate the grand opening of Mons' brand-new cultural centre CAP (Culture Art Patrimoine) and the renovation of its Fine Arts Museum. As the former European Capital of Culture, Mons invites visitors to explore the visionary sculptor Auguste Rodin and reconsider his art until 18 August.

Now, why did Rodin choose Mons as a place to create his sculptures?

The answer lies in the fact that the sculptor spent a significant period of six years in Belgium, a time during which he fully embraced his identity as an artist. It was during this period that he created the iconic sculpture L' ge d'Airain, which will be on display at the exhibition, as well as his masterpiece, The Thinker, which he presented in Brussels in 1899.
The exhibition will also include sculptures borrowed from the London's V&A.

Mons, culture is here.

The city is known for its rich cultural heritage and boasts several museums that showcase current and historical artistic trends, science, and history.

As you wander through town, you'll notice that it has managed to strike a balance between its historic past and modernity. The town's architectural heritage and ancient alleys give it a historic atmosphere, which is reflected in its many tourist attractions such as the Belfry (listed by UNESCO), the collegiate church, and the stunning Grand-Place.

For art and history enthusiasts, the Mons Memorial Museum and the Mundaneum (known as the 'Google of paper') are must-visit attractions, as well as la Maison Van Gogh (the house where he started his early paintings) in Cuesmes, which is located a short distance away.

The town's rich heritage is also visible in the Doudou folkloric festival, which is also classified as UNESCO World Heritage and showcases the town's essential spirit.

Other attractions worth visiting include the Artothèque (art restoration centre), the Neolithic mines of Spiennes, and the Grand-Hornu mines (an exceptional industrial site with UNESCO status).

Interesting fact: Mons is just under 2-hours' drive from Calais and within 1-hour train journey from Brussels - Brussels itself is 2 hours away from London with Eurostar.

Visit Mons designed three 3-days itineraries to help visitors make the most of their visits. 

Press trip possible.

Press contact Maxime Weemans - 02075310390 -  maxime.weemans@visitwallonia.be

Press images : https://media.visitwallonia.be/ - VISITWallonia.be