Leeuwarden and Valletta: European Capitals of Culture 2018
Leeuwarden (Netherlands) and Valletta (Malta) are the European Capitals of Culture for 2018, each with a packed program. Leeuwarden's opening ceremony on January 26–27 centers on 'open community'. Highlights include the Fries Museum's major exhibitions on Mata Hari (until April 2) and M.C. Escher (April 28–October 28), 11 fountains by international artists (from May 18), and a street theater performance by Royal de Luxe (August 17–19). Valletta's opening week (January 14–20) features La Fura dels Baus in four main squares. Other events include an opera adaptation of Hugo Pratt's 'Corto Maltese' at Teatru Manoel (September 20–22) and Altofest, a performing arts festival from Naples (April 13–May 13).
Key facts
- Leeuwarden and Valletta are European Capitals of Culture 2018.
- Leeuwarden's opening ceremony is January 26–27, 2018.
- Fries Museum hosts Mata Hari exhibition until April 2, 2018.
- Fries Museum hosts Escher's Journey from April 28 to October 28, 2018.
- 11 Fountains project launches May 18, 2018 in 11 Frisian cities.
- Royal de Luxe performs in Leeuwarden August 17–19, 2018.
- Valletta's opening week is January 14–20, 2018, with La Fura dels Baus.
- Corto Maltese opera at Teatru Manoel September 20–22, 2018.
- Altofest takes place in Malta April 13–May 13, 2018.
Entities
Artists
- Jaume Plensa
- Mata Hari
- Maurits Cornelis Escher
- Jorge & Lucy Orta
- Jennifer Allora
- Guillermo Calzadilla
- Cornelia Parker
- Mark Dion
- Shen Yuan
- Stephan Balkenhol
- Shinji Ohmaki
- Johan Creten
- Jean-Michel Othoniel
- Birthe Leemeijer
- Hugo Pratt
- La Fura dels Baus
Institutions
- Fries Museum
- Teatru Manoel
- Royal de Luxe
- TeatrInGestAzione
- Altofest
Locations
- Leeuwarden
- Netherlands
- Valletta
- Malta
- Frisia
- Workum
- Stavoren
- Hindeloopen
- Sneek
- IJlst
- Bolsward
- Franeker
- Dokkum
- Sloten
- Harlingen
- Naples
- Italy