Brussels Olfactory Exhibition Takes Visitors To New Places

Image source: Fubiz

In an abstract echo of the 2015 event, “Sounds of the City”, in which sound was used to form an impressive art exhibition, Brussels this year played host to Thalys organised “Scents of the City”. A spectacular creation of related olfactory experiences was presented from the 12th to the 14th of May 2017 which took visitors on an aromatic journey through the major cities connected by the Thalys train network.


Agnes Ogier, general director of Thalys, has explained that cities are more than their cliché imagery and the exhibition was more than just the smell of a postcard. Expert researchers were sent to each city on the list to capture what could be considered its Soul. She says that “A journey is a multisensorial experience in which perfumes play an important role” (Fubiz)


The demonstration of multinational olfaction was designed to enlighten travellers and visitors to the scents and feelings of new places and to encourage journeys to the places mentioned. A selection of smells from Brussels, Amsterdam, Cologne, and Paris tested the nasal capabilities of those who passed by. These happen to be the very places you can get to via the Thalys.


Creative agency Rosapark, perfume consultant Elizabeth Carre, Leonard Marchal from Drom Fragrances, and Studio Associe combined their efforts to produce a colourful and beautifully aromatic display that tantalised the senses over the three day period. Perhaps the scents naturally faded over time which made this art work fairly short lived. Definitely one to remember for those who were lucky enough to visit, the sense of smell is very important in the forming of memory.  

Image source: Fubiz