Brussels Bids Farewell to Beloved Mural: Future Uncertain
A vibrant, large-scale mural that adorned a prominent Brussels building for the past six years has been removed, leaving a void in the cityscape and prompting a wave of nostalgia among locals and tourists alike.
The mural, created in 2017 by Belgian artist Novadead – also known as Crevaels – was always intended as a temporary installation, according to the artist. "It was always the plan [to remove it], actually it was supposed to be earlier,” he said. “But it’s still sad to see it now … A lot of people had such feelings toward that mural."
Novadead, working with the Belgian real estate group Atenor, who commissioned the piece, is exploring options to revive the artwork. He revealed he’s in talks with the European Commission to potentially bring back the mural in a new location, but details remain uncertain. "[But] nothing concrete has been decided," he added.
The mural’s disappearance has stirred up emotions in Brussels, highlighting the role public art plays in shaping a city’s identity and the connection people forge with art that reflects their surroundings.
While the future of the artwork remains unclear, its removal resonates as a reminder of the ephemeral nature of art and the ongoing conversation around preserving cultural expressions in evolving urban landscapes.
Efforts by both the artist and the European Commission to find a new home for the mural offer a glimmer of hope that this captivating piece may continue to inspire onlookers for years to come.
