brussels rolls out hokusai’s great wave in 750,000 dahlias for flower carpet 2026

the grand-place in brussels is set to host an extraordinary floral installation for the 2026 flower carpet, bringing a 19th-century japanese masterpiece into the contemporary era. created by japanese artist hiro sugiyama, founder of contemporary art collective enlightenment, the design translates hokusai’s historic composition through geometric lines, graphic color blocks, and digital precision.

rather than merely replicating the classic ukiyo-e print at a massive scale, neo hokusai weaves modern visual language into the familiar swell. the project serves as an improbable meeting point connecting japanese graphic culture, belgium horticulture, and unesco-listed architecture, while also nodding to the historical wave of japonisme that influenced european artists in the late 19th century.

more than a century after those prints traveled from Asia to Europe, the cultural exchange comes full circle as volunteers reconstruct the iconic imagery petal by petal in the heart of the belgian capital.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

visitors can experience the installation from august 13 through 16, 2026. while the grand-place remains freely accessible during the day, each evening features a sound and light show running from 9:45 pm to 11 pm with performances every 15 minutes. elevated panoramic views of the entire carpet are also available from the balcony of brussels town hall.

Source: designboom