The competition for the museum piece of the year captured the attention of culture enthusiasts across Belgium during the Week of Belgian Museums, held from 11 to 18 May. This event highlighted the rich heritage preserved in over 100 museums nationwide, attracting nearly 200,000 visits through the popular museum pass.
- Week van Belgische musea trok bezoekers
- Meer dan 100 musea registreerden bezoeken
- 140 museumstukken genomineerd in competitie
- 'Zeemeermin uit wilgenhout' won publieksprijs
- Beeldje gemaakt door Louis Demeez
- Burgemeester prijst musea voor verbinding
Among 140 nominated artefacts, the “Willow Wood Mermaid” emerged as the crowd favourite. Created in the early 20th century by ship carpenter Louis Demeez, this unique sculpture is inspired by mermaid legends and once served as a weather vane on a fishing vessel. What makes this piece resonate so deeply with visitors?
On 2025-05-19 08:52:00, Cathy Coudyser, mayor of Knokke-Heist, expressed pride in the public’s connection to the artwork, emphasizing how museums unite people through heritage, stories, and emotions. Could this renewed interest signal a growing appreciation for Belgium’s maritime history?
Why does this competition matter for Belgian culture? It showcases how museums engage communities and preserve local stories. The success of the mermaid sculpture highlights several key points:
- Strong public interest in artefacts linked to Belgium’s coastal traditions
- Museums’ role in fostering emotional connections with heritage
- The effectiveness of the museum pass in boosting visitor numbers
Looking ahead, will more museums leverage such competitions to attract visitors? Belgians are encouraged to explore their local museums and discover the stories behind treasured artefacts like the “Willow Wood Mermaid.”
