Get to know the Gauls of the North at this fun-filled exhibition
Belgian Comic Strip Centre Museum
Brussels, Belgium
1 June – 3 September 2017
Curators: Mélanie Andrieu and Jean Auquier
Comic masterminds René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo first met in Belgium. Now the land of the comic book is celebrating the Asterix series and its creators!
The Manneken-Pis statue has been decked out in an Asterix costume for the occasion, while the Belgian Comic Strip Centre in Brussels pays homage to the ingenious duo behind the adventures of our beloved Gauls with a highly entertaining exhibition inspired by Asterix in Belgium, the last album co-authored by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. It’s going to be choc-full of fun!
Asterix in Belgium
“Horum omnium fortissimi sunt Belgae”: “Of all the peoples of Gaul, the Belgians are the bravest” – This declaration by Julius Caesar was to trigger high jinx in the low countries! Caesar’s words infuriated Vitalstatistix, who resolved to prove who was really the bravest… thus setting the scene for the 24th album!
Back in 1977 René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo – then at the peak of their creative partnership – decided to take Asterix and Obelix for a jaunt in Belgium. In their inimitable way, the two authors dissect the habits and customs of a country close to their heart.
Asterix in Belgium available in two new editions
Two new versions of Asterix in Belgium have been published on 31 May in France. The special edition (available in French, German and Dutch only) includes an exclusive 16-page pull-out.
The large-format luxury edition (available in French only) comes with a 30-page behind the scenes supplement and reproductions of Albert Uderzo’s original illustrations and René Goscinny’s story.
The Exhibition
Discover a classic comic
The introduction to the exhibition spotlights the peerless talents of René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo.
Visitors then move on to the main part of the exhibition, which recaps the themes explored in the Asterix in Belgium album: Belgian Gaul, references to the heroes and Belgian celebrities, the language and Belgian turns of phrase, references to Belgian culture and history, food, and representations of Belgians elsewhere in the series.
The trilingual exhibition (in English, French and Dutch) is accompanied by games and activities for all the family, which are sure to keep even the littlest visitors entertained as they revisit – or explore for the first time – the album and works of two masters of their art.
Brussels celebrates Asterix
Back in 2005 he dressed up as Obelix. This year from 31 May the Manneken-Pis statue will be decked out as Asterix.
The Belgian Comic Strip Centre Museum is a not-to-be-missed attraction in the heart of Brussels. For the past 25 years the Centre has showcased authors and heroes of the comic book world.