Brussels Flower Carpet 2026 Recreates Hokusai's Great Wave with 750,000 Dahlias
The 24th Flower Carpet event in Brussels, named Neo Hokusai, will turn the Grand-Place into a floral homage to Katsushika Hokusai's iconic artwork, The Great Wave off Kanagawa. Scheduled from August 13 to 16, 2026, this year marks the 160th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Belgium and Japan, which is the honored guest. Created by Hiro Sugiyama, the display will feature more than 750,000 dahlias spread across nearly 1,300 square meters. It will also include traditional Japanese designs like the ichimatsu checkerboard and kumiko ranma patterns. For the first time, an additional carpet will reach the Brussels Stock Exchange, merging floral artistry with brewing heritage. Both displays will be available for viewing from August 13 to 16, accompanied by nightly sound and light performances at the Grand-Place.
Key facts
- 24th edition of Brussels' Flower Carpet
- Installation titled Neo Hokusai, based on Hokusai's The Great Wave off Kanagawa
- Runs August 13–16, 2026 at Grand-Place, Brussels
- Marks 160th anniversary of Belgium-Japan diplomatic relations
- Japan is guest of honor, returning after ten years
- Designed by Japanese artist Hiro Sugiyama, founder of Enlightenment collective
- Over 750,000 dahlias cover nearly 1,300 square meters (about 80% of carpet)
- Dahlias have been the event's flower of choice since 2024
- Includes Japanese motifs: ichimatsu checkerboard, kumiko ranma patterns, Brussels' coat of arms
- Second flower carpet at Brussels Stock Exchange, themed around hops
- Sound and light show each evening from 9:45 pm to 11 pm, performances every 15 minutes
- Elevated views available from Brussels Town Hall balcony
Entities
Artists
- Hiro Sugiyama
- Katsushika Hokusai
Institutions
- Enlightenment
- Flower Carpet
- Brussels Stock Exchange
- Brussels Town Hall
Locations
- Brussels
- Belgium
- Grand-Place