Knokke: A City Of Modern Art

Knokke is a favourite amidst art lovers and connoisseurs. Ranging from amazing open-air sculptures to galleries featuring works by world-famous artists like Karel Appel, Robert Mapplethorpe and the legendary René Magritte, Knokke is nothing short of an art lover’s holiday paradise.

Walking around this artsy haven, you can encounter numerous eclectic artworks sprinkled throughout the town, and wherever you go, you are likely to find them in the most unexpected corners of this seaside resort. Even common public spaces in Knokke are decorated with artworks, like the entrance to a car park that features “Dune” by Arne Quinze. Moreover, in our previous festive blogs we already gave you a hint of how artsy Knokke can be!

So, let us together walk through this lively beachside resort and see what all there is to discover!

Around the Zwin plain is one memorable sculpture “Hospitality” that popularly goes by its creator’s name, Flanagan's Hare or just “The Bunny”. Indeed, it is not hard to see the reason behind the popularity of this peculiar, post-war sculpture: a large bronze hare suspended in the open-air! The sculpture symbolises freedom, independence and dynamism and has also been installed in New York and Chicago!

Another crowd favourite is the sculptural work AVL Men by Joep van Lieshout, with two huge orange-coloured men shaking hands together. A striking sight in the middle of the cityscape, you must take a minute to appreciate this bright visual and click a picture to have your very own art selfie!

What will your selfie have: Orange Men or A Tower of Beach Houses?

Jean-François Fourtou’s tower made out of repurposed Belgian beach houses in a garden makes for yet another unusual artwork worth stopping by. About to topple to the ground, these houses are perched upon one another in the square Maurice Lippensplein, where they have unequivocally become the symbol of the community of Knokke!

Apart from relaxing at the tranquil beaches of Knokke, you will also find some unforgettable landmarks here in the form of eye-catching art installations. Worth a visit is definitely “The Sea, That Amazing Sculpture” which has been brought to life by the artist Jean-Michel Folon and inspired by the surrealist artist René Magritte. This sculpture is of a man sitting right at the breakwater, looking out into the horizon. The sculpture is symbolic of the great power of nature and, in reality, is indeed remodelled by the sea every single day.

(Please note that currently The Sea, That Amazing Sculpture is under restoration and will be returned to its spot in the spring of 2022).

And while you are at it, don’t forget to also check out the Socorristas art installation on the beach and take a long, serene view of the sea.

“The Sea, That Amazing Sculpture” by Jean Michel Folon