This winter season, the Belgian capital and home of popular blue cartoon characters, The Smurfs, is presenting a new cultural offering in the shape of another Smurf Experience.
Who are the Smurfs?
The Smurfs, a 1958 brainchild of Belgian comic book artist, Peyo, share characteristics with humans and so have something to appeal to everyone. Originally called Les Schtroumpfs – a French “placeholder” word for something one has forgotten, similar to “thingamobob” or “whatsit” – the name “Smurf” came from the Dutch translation.
With over a hundred characters, ranging from Grouchy Smurf and Jokey Smurf to Brainy Smurf, they captured hearts around the world with bold adventures and an appealingly silly shared language.
Magic potions and 3D projections
Now taking place until 31 January 2025, the new exhibition is set in the 1,500-square-metre Smurf village at Brussels Expo, Palais 2 in the European capital’s Laeken district. It promises to bring to life the “magical world of the Smurfs ellipsis with cutting-edge technology: augmented reality, 3D projections, and dynamic interactions.”
An exploration lasting approximately 75 minutes gives visitors the opportunity to delve into nine thematic zones with interactive challenges. For those who have always “dreamed of living like a Smurf”, the Smurf Experience allows them to take on that role. Tasks include helping Papa Smurf concoct magic potions, dancing to Smurf rhythms and thwarting the dastardly designs of Smurf nemesis, Gargamel.
Heroes of the Planet
Joining the Great Smurfs Adventure will be an educational journey too, shaped by positive values such as solidarity, respect, and environmental protection. For almost a decade, the Smurfs have acted as United Nations ambassadors for the Small Smurfs Big Goals campaign, promoting the 17 Sustainable Development Goals for 2030.
During the exhibition, visitors can collect symbolic badges and learn how to apply these lessons to become heroes of the planet themselves. A food and drinks corner (that can be booked for parties) awaits with lashings of refreshments.
Good to know
The Experience is best accessed by public transport, the organisers say. Train or tram arrivals can benefit from an NMBS code on their entrance ticket entitling them to a an NMBS Discovery Ticket and 50% of travel to and from. Children travel free.
Would-be Smurfs looking to rejoin their people should note, the experience is open only on Wednesdays, and from Friday through Sunday, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
