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Ah, riding on the metro. A phrase familiar to fans of 80s’ new wave and a daily reality for millions of people in Brussels for 50 years now.
With a big birthday comes a big celebration. From 14 to 20 September, Brussels’ public transport system (STIB) is pulling out all the stops to celebrate the city’s first metro journey, which occurred on 20 September 1976.
From merch to music over collabs to collectors’ cards, Mobility Week in the capital will be off (or on?) the rails. Metro-shaped speculoos cookies at the South train station’s entrance to the underground kick off the festivities, and later that morning, transport goers can play a thematic game of Wheel of Fortune at Louise. On Tuesday, if you’re hungry for drama at lunchtime, De Brouckère would be the place to check out, as La Monnaie – the world-famous opera house – will be delivering “an unexpected experience” there.
Brussels wouldn’t be Brussels without some street art involved, and on Thursday, a choir and yes, even a pianist, will spark joy to those venturing on the underground that day. Friday, another speculoos happening, Saturday a guided art tour…there’s something in there for everyone.
The festivities culminate in an open day at the Jacques Brel depot on the day of the 50th anniversary, which happens to coincide with Car-free Sunday, a yearly event where Brussels goes, well, car-free, and people walk, cycle, or of course take the metro.
For the whole program of the celebrations including timing and locations, check out STIB’s website.
