Beneath this towering artwork lies a story of urban renewal. The NOH Mural stands as a testament to Brussels’ commitment to art. It also serves as a unique way to revitalize its cityscape.
More than 30 years ago, Brussels tackled visual pollution. Large billboards clung to building walls. They were a noxious eyesore. The city launched a campaign to remove them. Once gone, ugly dilapidated facades remained.
The city partnered with the Belgian Comic Strip Centre. They conceived the idea of commissioning murals. Comic artist Frank Pé designed the first mural. In 1991, his character Broussaille and girlfriend Catherine appeared. They were at an intersection in the Saint-Jacques neighborhood.
This blend of art and urban renewal became popular. Now, nearly 70 murals grace walls in the central city and Laeken. Initially, only Brussels authors were featured. Then, the project expanded to include Belgian and foreign artists. The route celebrates Franco-Belgian comics widely.
The NOH Mural and others are part of an active program. New murals appear each year. Sometimes, buildings are demolished. Other times walls are covered by new construction. Murals must be redone elsewhere. The Blake and Mortimer mural is now in its third version. The city actively seeks new walls for art.
These murals mark the Comic Book Route. The route’s website offers a map. It also offers breakdowns by themes and artists. Exploring the route reveals hidden areas of the city. Many murals reside in backstreets, not main roads.
Keep an eye out for comic character statues. They grace Brussels’ streets. Also, look for white street signs bearing comic character names. You can explore the route solo. Guided tours are available. The Belgian Comic Strip Centre, Itinéraires, or Bruxelles Bavard offer them. Pro Vélo provides bike tours. City Run guides runners.
In May 2017, the comic book walk added a mural by a female artist. Most emphasized male heroes’ adventures. By contrast, newer additions feature female artists and protagonists.
The primary school De Heembeek proposed a project. A committee of comic experts and the school chose French illustrator Aurélie Neyret. She is known for illustrating Les Carnets de Cerise. The De Heembeek students love this children’s comic series.
Neyret visited the school. She also toured the neighborhood. This helped her understand the mural’s future home. Most importantly, Neyret spent time with students. They shared stories about a family of foxes living near the school since the Covid lockdown.
Neyret proposed several drawings. Students and the school voted. Their favorite was also Neyret’s favorite. Urbana, a company specializing in murals, painted Neyret’s artwork.
Brussels is known for its comic book characters. These characters play a major part in the city’s Comic Book Route. The route features large murals. They pay homage to Belgian comic artists. The Broussaille Wall was the first comic strip mural. It was painted in July 1991. It illustrates Broussaille and his girlfriend enjoying a walk. Frank Pé created the comic series. It first appeared in Spirou magazine in 1978.
The NOH Mural is more than paint. It’s a piece of Brussels’ identity. It reflects the city’s artistic spirit. It also embraces the joy of comic art. As you continue your tour, remember that each mural tells a story. Each mural contributes to Brussels’ unique cultural landscape.