Carillon of the Mont des Arts, Musical clock and carillon at Mont des Arts, Belgium
The Carillon of the Mont des Arts is a bell tower featuring twenty-four bells cast by the Paccard foundry and positioned above twelve painted bronze figurines. The structure includes a distinctive star-shaped clock face that crowns the ensemble.
The carillon was built for the 1958 Brussels World's Fair and completed in 1964 under architect Jules Ghobert's direction. It emerged as part of the post-war modernization and urban renewal of the Brussels city center.
The twelve bronze figures beneath the star-shaped clock represent people who shaped Brussels over the centuries. They stand as reminders of the city's past and the individuals who made it what it is.
The carillon plays two alternating folkloric melodies each hour throughout the day, combining compositions by Gretry and Peter Benoit. Visit during quieter hours to hear the bells more clearly without the noise of surrounding traffic.
A striking bronze Jacquemart figure standing about 2.8 meters tall crowns the tower and strikes the main bell with mechanical precision. This automated figure depicts a well-dressed citizen in a top hat and serves as an unforgettable visual centerpiece of the structure.
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