Giant Carpet Made of 500,000 Flowers: Brussel's Iconic Event Returns Today

Brussels is preparing to turn its historic Grand-Place into a giant floral masterpiece, as the world-famous Flower Carpet returns from August 13 to 16, 2026.

This year's edition will have a special Belgian-Japanese theme, marking 160 years of diplomatic and friendly relations between Belgium and Japan. More than 500,000 dahlias will be used to create a huge interpretation of Katsushika Hokusai's iconic The Great Wave off Kanagawa, covering almost 1,300 square meters in the heart of Brussels.

The Great Wave off Kanagawa. Photo: ©Jeroen Willems (Flower Carpet)

The design, known as "Neo-Hokusai," was created by Japanese digital artist Hiro Sugiyama and his collective Enlightenment. The work combines the traditional visual language of Japanese ukiyo-e with contemporary digital art, creating a modern interpretation of one of Japan's most recognizable artworks.

Japan is this year's guest of honor, following an earlier collaboration between Belgium and Japan in 2016.

"The love of flowers is a universal language," Japan's ambassador to Belgium, Takeshi Osuga, said, highlighting the shared importance of flowers in both Belgian and Japanese culture.

Flower Carpet 2014: Photo: Ivan Soto Cobos / Shutterstock.com

A Second Floral Attraction in Brussels

For the first time in the event's history, visitors will also find a second flower carpet at the Brussels Stock Exchange.

The installation will be inspired by hops, paying tribute to Belgium's famous brewing tradition. The additional display will extend the floral experience beyond the Grand-Place and connect two major landmarks in the city center.

The Grand-Place itself will remain freely accessible throughout the event, while visitors who want a higher view of the main carpet can access the balcony of Brussels Town Hall for a fee.

The Flower Carpet dates back to 1971 and has become one of Brussels' best-known recurring events. Held every two years, it attracts tens of thousands of visitors to the Grand-Place.

Flower Carpet 2026: What Tourists Need to Know

The event runs from August 13 to 16, with the official opening and first sound-and-light show scheduled for the evening of August 13.

Sound-and-light shows will take place every 30 minutes between 9 pm and 11 pm throughout the four-day event.

Tickets to view the carpet from the Town Hall balcony cost €8 when purchased in advance and €9 on site, while children under 10 can enter for free.

For travelers visiting Brussels this week, the Flower Carpet offers a rare opportunity to see one of Europe's most famous squares transformed into a giant floral artwork celebrating both Belgian and Japanese culture.