On March 25, Mini-Europe, a renowned theme park dedicated to showcasing Europe’s cultural and historical heritage, celebrated its expansion with the unveiling of two new miniature Polish monuments. The event was presided over by Vinciane Meeùs, the Managing Director of Mini-Europe, and included a special musical tribute to the famous composer Frédéric Chopin.
Inauguration details and significance
The inauguration was attended by a distinguished group of officials, including Philippe Close, the Mayor of Brussels; Maciej Fijałkowski, Secretary of the City of Warsaw; Małgorzata Wilk-Grzywna, Vice-President of the Polish Tourist Office; and Dr. Marianna Otmianowska, Director of the Royal Łazienki Museum. The new additions, the Palace on the Isle and the Fryderyk Chopin Monument, are now prominent features in the park, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Poland’s rich cultural narrative.
“This initiative is perfectly in line with the original vision of Mini-Europe,” emphasized Thierry Meeùs, founder of the park.
Highlighting Poland’s cultural heritage
The introduction of these miniature models not only enhances Poland’s presence within Mini-Europe but also provides guests with a curated experience of its illustrious cultural heritage. The monuments have been meticulously integrated into a setting that mirrors the ambiance of Warsaw’s Royal Łazienki Park, complete with animations that enhance the visitor experience. Vinciane Meeùs remarked, “A visit to Mini-Europe is a chance to discover magnificent monuments, superbly animated decors and a unique encounter with European history and values. With the addition of these new Polish monuments, the history of Mini-Europe is expanding.”
Currently, Mini-Europe features four Polish monuments that span different eras of European history:
- The Palace on the Isle (Łazienki Palace) (inaugurated in 2025): This baroque structure was transformed by King Poniatowski into a bathhouse, epitomizing the classical elegance of Poland.
- The Statue of Chopin (inaugurated in 2025): This tribute to the renowned composer includes a musical installation playing his compositions, recalling the famed open-air concerts at the park that have been a tradition for over 65 years.
- The Arthus Court in Gdansk (inaugurated in 2004): A neo-Gothic building that symbolizes European trade, welcoming merchants from the Hanseatic League.
- The Three Crosses Monument in Gdansk (inaugurated in 2004): A poignant tribute to the victims of trade union struggles, symbolizing the Solidarity movement.
To further celebrate Poland’s cultural richness, Mini-Europe is planning a Polish Weekend on April 26 and 27, 2025. This event will offer visitors a chance to explore Polish culinary delights, enjoy cultural performances, participate in family workshops, and discover traditional crafts.
The expansion of the Polish section at Mini-Europe is a collaborative effort involving the Polish Embassy in Belgium, the Polish Tourist Office, and Mini-Europe, with support from the City of Warsaw, the Mazovia Voivodeship, the Royal Łazienki Museum, and LOT Polish Airlines. This initiative holds particular significance as Poland takes on the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, reaffirming its dedication to Europe’s shared history and cultural legacy.
This meticulous project began in 2022, involving precise selection and reproduction of the monuments at a scale of 1:25, based on extensive plans, photographs, and drone scans. The attention to detail is evident in the hand-painted finishes and the integration of figurines and animations that bring the setting to life.
About Mini-Europe
Situated at the foot of the iconic Atomium, Mini-Europe stands as the only park where visitors can embark on a journey across Europe in just a few hours. Guests can explore the distinct atmospheres of Europe’s most beautiful cities, from the chimes of Big Ben in London to the serene canals of Venice. With over 350 meticulously crafted models and animations, Mini-Europe promises an unforgettable experience that should not be missed during a visit to Brussels. For more information, visit www.minieurope.eu.