The Europalia festival focuses on the world of trains
EUROPALIA TRAINS & TRACKS is offering a seven-month opportunity to discover the world of this mode of transport within cultural institutions but also, and most importantly, on the ground, in stations and trains. Three main themes will be highlighted: the impact of the train on society, time and movement, and encounters and farewells.
The 2021 Europalia festival opens with the "Tracks to Modernity" exhibition at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts in Brussels. It traces the history of rail transport from its origins to 1950. Synonymous with modernity, in its early days the train aroused both fascination and fear and also served as a source of inspiration for many artists.
An exhibition at Train World (Brussels) will highlight Belgium's role in the train's progress throughout the world and in particular the role of Georges Nagelmackers in the development of luxury trains and the creation of the legendary Orient Express.
We have only scratched the surface of the hugely diverse and varied activities that await you in the coming months. Many Belgian stations and trains criss-crossing the country will be transformed into stages for concerts, poetry slams, literary encounters, theatre performances and operas.
Check out the programme if you don't want to miss the train.