Cycling through the belle époque

Cycling through the belle époque

The temporary exhibition 'Cycling through the belle époque' ran from 01 October 2022 to 18 June 2023 at the Belle Epoque Centre. This time, 'the bicycle' stood in the spotlight.

The bicycle is all over the street these days. In many cities, the bicycle is the means of transport by excellence. The first 'walking bike' was invented around 1817. By 1900, the bicycle is more fashionable than ever among the middle classes. The bicycle is not only a status symbol. It also offers the freedom to explore nature: it is the start of bicycle tourism. Why did bicycles have a small and a big wheel? How did the first bicycle races look like? And did you know that the bicycle also promoted the emancipation of women?

In cooperation with KOERS. Museum of Cycling, Vives SpellenLab, Eperon D'or Izegem, Cinematek Brussels, Het Letterenhuis Antwerp and the Professeur VélO.