One of the Matongé district’s most familiar works of art has made a grand return to the Brussels neighbourhood after more than a year’s absence. The large-scale mural Matongé-Ixelles. Porte de Namur ! Porte de l’Amour by Congolese artist Chéri Samba has been reinstated to the district following restoration, reports Bruzz. A powerful symbol of Ixelles’ cultural diversity, this iconic artwork was renovated and reinstalled thanks to a collaboration between Ixelles and the NGO Coopération Éducation Culture (CEC). It was returned to the community on
30 June to mark the Congolese National Day. The occasion was “yet another opportunity to celebrate the district’s rich cultural heritage and showcase contemporary African art in public spaces,” said the municipality. First erected in 2002, the monumental reproduction was removed at the beginning of 2025 due to weather damage. The tarpaulin has been replaced with an identical replica at a cost of €5,000. The new installation also benefits from a six-year planning permit in recognition of its role in the identity and heritage of
the neighbourhood. New mural for city’s comic strip trail The City of Brussels has inaugurated the 74th mural on its Comic Strip Trail in Parc de la Senne, reports Belga. Created by Brussels comic book artist Nicolas Pitz, the work draws inspiration from the neighbourhood and its residents following a collaboration with some 30 local young people. Their participation in workshops and representations of the environment via collages served as inspiration for the artist. “Art and residents reinforce each other. Together, they give a face
to their neighbourhood and contribute to building the city of tomorrow,” emphasised Brussels alderman Frederik Ceulemans (Anders) at the inauguration. The artwork tells the story of the neighbourhood through the eyes of its young residents, which enriches the public space in a lasting way, he pointed out. Pitz said he hoped residents would recognise themselves in the mural and make it part of their daily lives. Renowned for telling stories in comic strip form, he explained that he had included “little stories” and hidden details
in the work that passersby could discover for themselves. For over 30 years, the Comic Strip Trail has been showcasing the ninth art in public spaces, including the city centre, Laeken, Haren, Neder-Over-Heembeek and the European Quarter. Photos: ©Chéri Samba/Commune d’Ixelles; Mural by Nicolas Pitz in progress ©Ville de Bruxelles/Parcours BD de Striproute
Matongé mural, Chéri Samba, Brussels, Ixelles, Congolese National Day, restoration, Comic Strip Trail, Parc de la Senne, Nicolas Pitz, Frederik Ceulemans, Coopération Éducation Culture