In the heart of Mont des Arts, the Carillon du Mont des Arts is a monumental clock decorated with twelve historical figurines and a golden star that plays a melody every quarter hour. It’s an unusual detail many visitors overlook… even though it’s one of the most surprising symbols in the center of Brussels.
Galerie photos
Photo de Atie van Hoorn: https://www.pexels.com/fr-fr/photo/homme-assis-pres-d-une-celebre-horloge-dans-le-paysage-urbain-belge-33628848/
Description
The Carillon du Mont des Arts is a giant clock installed on the façade of the building housing the State Archives. Visible from Mont des Arts Square, it immediately draws attention with its golden star and twelve niches containing emblematic figures from Belgian history. The carillon comes to life at regular intervals and is one of the most unexpected curiosities in the center of Brussels.
History
The clock and its carillon were installed in the 1950s during the development of the Mont des Arts district. The goal was to add a spectacular and cultural feature to this newly modernized area, which was intended to host museums and national institutions. The carillon follows the Brabant tradition of animated clocks, incorporating symbolic characters into its design.
Each statue represents an important period in the country’s history, from the Middle Ages to contemporary times, creating a kind of musical chronological frieze.
The Carillon’s Figures
Twelve figures are placed in niches around the clock, each evoking key moments from Belgian folklore, political history, or cultural heritage.
- medieval Brabant figures
- characters linked to traditional trades
- symbols of the monarchy and the city of Brussels
- representations of folklore and the arts
The ensemble gives the square a unique cultural character, blending art, history, and mechanics.
How the Carillon Works
The clock chimes every quarter hour and occasionally plays traditional melodies depending on the season. The golden star in the center acts as a hammer, striking the bells located behind the façade.
- clock visible from the square and stairways
- bells integrated into the building’s structure
- mechanical movements connecting the statues to the clock
Its discreet yet surprising mechanism often catches passersby off guard, as few expect to hear a carillon in the heart of Mont des Arts.
Access
The Carillon du Mont des Arts is located between Central Station and the Museum of Musical Instruments. It can be seen from the garden steps, from Rue du Musée, or from Mont des Arts Square. Access is free and available at all times.
