Smurf Fever Hits Brussels
Belgium is turning 60, and the nation decided the best way to celebrate is by letting you live inside a Smurf village.
How the Smurfs Came to Be
- Creator Pierre “Peyo” Culliford first sketched the blue little guys in Johan and Peewit back in 1958, just to give his medieval heroes a quirky sidekick.
- When fans started clamoring for more, Belgium put the Smurfs front‑and‑center with their own comic the next year.
- The franchise grew into a worldwide craze, with the monsters Gargamel and his gold‑lusting plot fueling blockbuster movies – the 2011 film pulled in half a billion dollars.
The Smurf Experience at Brussels Expo
Running until January 2019, this immersive showcase takes visitors on a virtual reality tour of the iconic mushroom‑shaped homes.
- Step into a human‑sized mushroom and feel the whisper of the enchanted forest.
- Jump into a headset and battle Gargamel in a quick‑time action quest.
- Enjoy every pixel of the original artwork and the classic soundtrack.
Why Smurfs Matter in Belgium
In a country split along linguistic lines, a small blue character packs a big punch of national pride – alongside chocolate, waffles, beer and that one undefeated football team.
Spokesperson Says:
“Smurfs are not just cute; they’re a symbol of Belgian culture and heritage,” — Chloe Beaufays, exhibition spokesperson.
Future Plans
The team is eyeing a tour across Europe, the USA and Asia in the next five years, hoping the Smurfs will keep spreading smiles worldwide.
