The former capital of the Burgundian Netherlands and the only city in Flanders to be listed 4 times on the UNESCO list of world heritage sites, Mechelen is full of treasures. Small squares and large buildings, friendly terraces and trendy shops, museums, art galleries, parks, nature reserves and recreational areas for sailing, windsurfing, fishing, minigolf, etc. A city and an environment with many faces on a truly human scale. Discover it on foot or by bicycle.

For more information about all the joys that Mechelen has to offer, go to www.tourismmechelen.be

Contour 2011

Contour Mechelen presents the 5th Biennal of Moving Image from 27 August until 30 October 2011.

Mechelen hosts a unique initiative for people interested in contemporary art as well as architectural history. Contour presents artists working with film, video and installation in a variety of unique venues in the historical inner city of Mechelen.

The fifth edition bears the mark of curator Anthony Kiendl (CAN) who examines the links between sound, image and social change. In this research, rock music plays an important role.

Contour 2011 is a thought-provoking encounter between history and contemporary art: a visually and intellectually rewarding cultural journey

Contour 2011:
27.08.11 - 30.10.11
Thursday, Friday, Sunday: 10.00 > 18.00, Saturday: 10.00 > 22.00
www.contourmechelen.be

Mechelen for Children

Planckendael
Take a trip around the world and visit the various continents, each with its own typical characteristics and wildlife. Go on a safari along suspended bridges, across the water, through the tops of trees and visit all the animals in their own environment.

Opening times:

Discount tickets available at reception. 

Technopolis
Are you naturally adventurous and inquisitive? Have you always wanted to take a snooze on a bed of nails, stand in the middle of a soap bubble or cycle along a cable suspended 5 metres in the air? Then you should certainly visit this scientific amusement park with its spectacular experiments, scientific shows and more than 280 interactive presentations.

Opening times:
Monday to Sunday                9.30 am to 5.00 pm

Toy Museum
Turn back the clock and discover your grandparents’ favourite toys. Play with the unique collection of toys and participate interactively with games throughout the ages.

Opening times:
Tuesday to Sunday                 10.00 am  - 5.00 pm

Recreation park de Nekker
There’s something for everyone in recreation park De Nekker. If you like sports, then you can enjoy tennis, golf and countless other sports. You can cool down in the large lake and if you are tired you can stretch out and relax on the beach.  If rain threatens to spoil the fun, you can always visit the indoor playground.

Special events:
On certain Saturdays, De Nekker organises crea-afternoons
"nekker around" with jumpy castles, make-up and many other activities: 6 June

Opening times:

Domein Tivoli
The Tivoli Park has enough on offer for a whole day’s pleasure. Visit the children’s farm, admire the centuries-old trees and bring your day to an end with an ice-cream in the cafeteria. If you really enjoy running around, there’s the large play village with castles, climbing towers and an exciting adventure course.

Children’s farm
Admire the newly-born lambs, piglets and chicks or make an appointment in advance and roll up your sleeves to help the farmer take care of the animals.

Opening times:

 You can help at the children’s farm every Wednesday afternoon after making an appointment by telephone.

The legend of Woesterdam
On 22 May, you can enjoy a love story full of amusing secrets.

The Ottertrotter festival
On Sunday 27 June, Tivoli Park will be transformed into one large world village. There’s a large dance-floor where you can dance to various music performances and there are activities for young and old. Discover typical products at the world culture market and get to know the richness and diversity of different cultures.

Opening times of the Tivoli Park:
From Monday to Sunday                    7.30 am - sunset

De Maan Theatre
This theatre, specially adapted for children, regularly presents new performances. They are adapted to various age categories so that children can get to know the theatre in a pleasant way.

Special events:
"Odysseus": 28 April, 1,2,8 & 9 May

Mechels broek - Nature reserve
Complete all assignments using a compass, place the photos in the correct order to find the treasure or just enjoy the plants and animals in the Mechels Broek (a wet marsh), 

Opening times:
The park is open throughout the day all week round for pedestrians.
You can obtain material for the compass hunt and the photo hunt at the reception on Thursday and Sunday from 1.30 pm to 5.30 pm; during school holidays also on Saturday from 1.30 pm to 5.30 pm.

Beat the athlete
See whether you have what it takes to be a top athlete and test yourself against your mum and dad, your friends or a real top Belgian athlete!

Opening times:

Party Hall Pius X
For everybody who wants to shake a leg, large dance parties are organised regularly 

"Do you know what spring dancing is?": 19 May
"We’re dancing into the holidays": 23 & 30 June

KC Nona
This cultural centre regularly organises workshops for the whole family

"Filemona" Film breakfast for the whole family: 23 May
"workshop introduction to animation film": 23 May

"Hallo Heihoek"
On 8 May, everybody is welcome to join in a large neighbourhood party organised by real Mechelaars. Streets will be closed off so that there’s room for various music performances, theatre performances, a real jumble market and various children’s and folk games. Come along for a snack, a drink and lots of fun.

Saturday May 8, 2010 from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm

Play day
On Sunday 30 May, the centre of Mechelen will be transformed into a children’s paradise. Visit a toddlers’ village, take part in the obstacle race or play a life-size party game. Enjoy a traditional shuffle board and then beat your friends at a video game.

"Play day": Sunday 30 May from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm in Mechelen city centre 

Boat trips on the Dijle
Take a ‘cruise’ through Mechelen and discover secret places from a boat. Sail under bridges and admire all the wonders Mechelen has in store for you.

Opening times
April - May - June - July - August - ...