In addition to exhibitions in De Steiger and ’t Schippershof, public spaces in Menen are also being enriched with art. Squares, streets, and public buildings feature a diverse range of high artistic quality artworks. Several of these pieces have undergone a thorough refurbishment in recent months.
Four artworks that had been located in the Oude Leielaan for over thirty years were temporarily removed for professional restoration. They received, among other things, a new coat of paint and thorough cleaning. In the coming weeks, the works will return to their familiar spots. The restored artworks will also be given new pedestals and information boards with more details about the work and the artist, making them more accessible to residents and visitors.
Two works by the renowned Menen artist Yvonne Serruys, Meisje met Appelkorf and Tentation, dating from the early twentieth century, have also been restored. These sculptures will find a permanent place in the front garden of the Stedelijke Academie voor Muziek en Woord (Municipal Academy for Music and Word), located in Serruysstraat. This building previously housed the Yvonne Serruys Museum.
Other artworks in the city are also being addressed. The two monumental works by Johan Tahon on the Waalvest and the work by Stephan Balkenhol on Stationsplein will receive a thorough cleaning and new information boards.
Menen's art heritage is also being expanded with a new work: Fremdkörper by Simon Van Parys. Created in 2021 for the art project Het Voorstel (The Proposal), this piece depicts a submarine tower, creating the illusion of an underwater submarine. After being exhibited in various locations, including Knokke, the artwork has now found a permanent home at the renovated entrance area of cultural center De Steiger.
New information boards accompanying the artworks include a QR code that directs visitors to www.menen.be/kunstinmenen for more details about the artworks and artists. The city will also soon launch a new official city walk, ‘Art in Menen’, allowing visitors to discover Menen's rich art heritage on foot.
“"Menen is and remains a city of art. These timeless artworks have received a well-deserved restoration and have been carefully repositioned in places where they represent real added value for our residents."
