Brussels, the capital of Belgium is renowned for its astounding architecture and structures. This city is not only famous for being the capital of Europe but also because of its rich history, architecture, and culture. Of course, not to forget about the world-famous Belgian chocolates and waffles. Despite my stay in Brussels being a very short time, I got the chance to enjoy the spectacular light show at the Grand Palace that many cannot even experience. Sound and Light show at Grand Palace Brussels is part of winter events. This year it was special because a 360-degree sound and light show is happening at Grand Palace based on Leilani Shaw, a Kanien'kehá ka (Mohawk) artist's work. source
My destination was not Brussels this time but when I got the opportunity to see such a spectacular show, it was like a cherry on top of the cake. I have seen a light show before in Amsterdam and it was completely different. Amsterdam Light Festival is the arts and sculptures display, located in different locations near canals. You can walk or take a boat ride to experience different displayed artworks of light in Amsterdam. But the show in Brussels is different, it's more like 360-degree light visualization with sounds. It's free for everyone whereas in Amsterdam you have to buy tickets for the boat ride to see all the displayed light artwork.
I was only in Brussels for 45 minutes just to see the show, we didn't get the chance to see Brussels because it was not on our list. So, I cannot say much about the Grand Palace until I explore it thoroughly. 45 minutes passed just like that, I was so mesmerized by the show that I didn't even realize how time flew all of a sudden. Besides it was dark so I have strolled within the magical nocturnal ambiance of the Grand Palace. Most of the lights that are used at the Grand Palace are energy-saving LED lights to emphasize and highlight the magnificent architecture. source
This light show is a special edition of Christmas and winter events in Brussels which means if you want to see this light and sound show, you have to visit Brussels during the holiday season. The show normally starts around 5.00 pm and runs every hour from Monday till Thursday. But during the weekend from Friday to Sunday, the show runs once every 30 minutes, and the duration of the show is 5-6 minutes.
I was there in the middle of one show and I had to wait for the next show as well. During showtime, thousands of people gather at the Grand Palace courtyard and enjoy the 360 sound and light show. Sometimes it's very difficult to find an appropriate spot to experience the entire 360 show. Well, definitely you can hear the sound but it's difficult to follow the visualization that displays on the building as it moves from one building to another. At one point, I felt like lights were dancing on the building; those visual lights create such movement that you will feel like you are watching a movie. It's not a projector display where your eyes are stuck on one point; it is like the entire Grand Palace becomes a 360 display.
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Taking photos at night is really difficult and when you try to capture the movement of the displayed light picture, it is much more difficult. I should have recorded a long video just to show how it was. I have a short video and probably will add it to the post after posting it on YouTube. I tried to take photos but couldn't take the one I wanted to. Because it was fast and the display moved from one building to another. How to explain this situation better? I felt like the part of the show was hopping from here to there so fast. My phone camera cannot take still photos at such speed. So, at one point, I stopped taking photos and just enjoyed the show.
After the show, I got tiny time to see the nocturnal scenery of the Grand Palace, and the chance to take some photos.
When the light show finished, the lights lit up on the building and that time I realized how many people were around me. The entire space had flooded with locals and tourists.
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At the beginning of the post, I already said I couldn't explore the entire complex. So, I just saw some details of the buildings, and all I can say, each part of the details was gorgeous. Very well-maintained details and history can be found in each piece. Town Hall and King's House are located here and this is the city center of Brussels city. The courtyard is surrounded by affluent Baroque guild halls and the neo-gothic style King's House along with the city town hall.
The designed LED lighting on these architectural buildings has key purposes. These lights basically emphasize the architecture of these buildings to create a beautiful atmosphere for the people in the dark and to create the focal point of the city center. So, this place never stays in the dark.
Currently, a large Christmas tree is installed there along with a stable/barn installation to showcase the born of Jesus. It was nice to see.
This is not the large and beautiful Christmas tree I have seen, I didn't like it to be honest but according to the theme, it was nice.
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The spot was overcrowded and it was the weekend. So, it was really difficult to find a spot to take photos or walk freely. The entire city people seemed like gathered for the show. I was a bit tired and overwhelmed by the crowd because, at one point, people were forcing each other to move. I personally do not prefer such a situation.
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Even though the atmosphere after the show was not nice, the entire experience during the show was quite cheerful and unique for me. I wish I could have spent more time there and watched more shows, but the clock was ticking.
I personally promised myself to visit Brussels again so that I get to know the city. The city is crowded, the hub of the European Union, and will be always crowded, but as long as I get the chance to see the beautiful architecture of the city and learn about it, it's enough for me.
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This experience was unique and once in a lifetime, you get to feel such moments in life. When we travel, we cannot see everything all at once so after seeing such a show, this entire experience I added on my travel journal. Why not!! It's the holiday season and everything is all about celebration, a memorable month to remember. One thing I wanted to mention is that this grand palace area is not decorated with Christmas lights, this place is completely intact like normal days except for the Christmas tree and the stable. To get the experience of Christmas, you need to walk a little bit. This location is also known as Grote Markt.
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I hope you enjoyed the photographs, I know it's difficult to understand the show just by seeing the photographs. I will add the video later below...
If you want to have unique experiences along with nightlife, I highly recommend Brussels to explore during the holiday season.
Thanks a lot for reading...
P.S: Finally short video is here...👇
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Priyan...
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.... An architect, a dreamer, and a passionate writer who loves to write about life. I try to present my own perspective and experiences. Please leave your feedback and criticism because it's the only way I can know and reach your mind and thoughts easily...
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