Tuin der Onlusten

Tuin der Onlusten is an unusual sculpture garden in Alsemberg, part of the municipality of Beersel in Belgium, located at Klutsstraat 24. The name translates roughly as "Garden of Unrest" or "Garden of Distress," and the project belongs to the Nieuwe Vlaamse Primitieven (New Flemish Primitives) art movement — a place where contemporary art meets nature in a way rarely found elsewhere in the region.

Who created this garden?

The garden is the work of artist Al Balis, who developed it together with fellow creators Mehdi Khammal and the Beg-Tsé Expo collective. Together they turned a private property in Alsemberg into an open-air exhibition space, where sculptures and installations blend directly into the surrounding vegetation.

What are the sculptures made of?

A defining feature of the garden is the raw material behind its artworks. The artists work with scrap metal and other waste, giving it a second life as surprising, often grotesque constructions. These unconventional pieces are combined with a deliberately unusual selection of plants and a carefully designed garden layout, creating an atmosphere that is hard to mistake for a typical sculpture park.

What do the artworks depict?

The works on display at Tuin der Onlusten are not detached from reality — they draw on current social themes. Among the recurring subjects found in the sculptures and installations are references to the coronavirus pandemic, the situation of refugees, and processes of emancipation. This means the garden functions not only as an art gallery but also as a commentary on contemporary issues, expressed through waste material transformed into art.

How does art relate to nature here?

A constant element of the garden's concept is the interaction and integration of art with its natural surroundings. The sculptures don't stand in a sterile exhibition space; instead, they "live" to the rhythm of nature — changing with the seasons, becoming overgrown with plants, and forming part of the garden's living ecosystem. The idea is to create pleasant conditions for experiencing art and nature together, without artificially separating the two.

Can the garden be visited at any time?

No — Tuin der Onlusten is not a public park open every day. It is accessible to visitors only on designated open days, which gives a visit the character of an event rather than a routine walk. It's worth checking local announcements or the Beersel municipality's website before planning a trip, to make sure the gate is actually open to the public on that date.

Why visit Tuin der Onlusten?

This is a destination for travelers looking for something different from the classic attractions of the Beersel area — instead of historic walls or period interiors, it offers an encounter with contemporary art set within a garden landscape. The combination of recycling, social commentary, and a natural setting makes Tuin der Onlusten stand out among the typical attractions near Brussels.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Tuin der Onlusten located? In Alsemberg, part of the municipality of Beersel, at Klutsstraat 24.

Who created the sculptures? Artist Al Balis, together with Mehdi Khammal and the Beg-Tsé Expo collective, as part of the Nieuwe Vlaamse Primitieven movement.

What materials are the sculptures made from? Mainly scrap metal and other waste materials, transformed into original artistic forms.

Is the garden open all year round? No, it is only accessible on selected open days announced by the organizers.