Unveiling of new artwork by Gijs Van Vaerenbergh in Tweebronnen
Press release 26 April 2025 - The Bib Leuven Tweebronnen unveils ‘Dwaaltuin/Wandering Garden’ by Leuven artist duo Gijs Van Vaerenbergh.
On Saturday 26 April, Bib Leuven Tweebronnen unveiled the intriguing artwork ‘Dwaaltuin/Wandering Garden (model 1/20)’ by Leuven artist duo Gijs Van Vaerenbergh in its non-fiction section. The scale model combines art and architecture and offers Leuven residents a unique glimpse of the larger KU Leuven project that is currently taking shape in Arenberg Park.
The artwork in Tweebronnen is a sculptural model, a study for the large-scale maze ‘Dwaaltuin/Wandering Garden’, which can be visited in the Arenberg Park in Heverlee from 17 May. This installation is one of the highlights of the new art and science route ‘And So, Change Comes in Waves’, marking 600 years of KU Leuven.
A play of perspectives
The scale model in the Bib Leuven is not placed horizontally, but hung vertically on the wall, like a painting. It is constructed from fine, curved steel mesh, which is concealed in the wall. The fine-meshed, curved material creates a strange, poetic and visual interplay: abstract, layered and inviting. The sculpture – previously on display at the prestigious Escher–Other World exhibition in The Hague – is now permanently integrated into the architecture of Tweebronnen, the former Technical School designed by architect Henry van de Velde. The artwork invites visitors to marvel, be confused and explore, just like the maze itself.
Bridge between city and university
"With this “Dwaaltuin/Wandering Garden (model 1/20), we are bringing top-class art to the people. The work has sufficient autonomy to engage library visitors as a work of art. But it also allows them to literally and figuratively reflect on the link between the city and the university, between art and science,” explains Bert Cornillie, alderman for culture. ‘By displaying the scale model in the centre of Leuven, the library is bringing the university project on the Arenberg campus closer to the public. The work in the library forms a cultural bridge between the city and the green Arenberg Park, symbolising the centuries-old connection between the city of Leuven and its university. Just like the maze that is emerging in Arenberg Park, this scale model in the library is a place for reflection, imagination and discovery. ‘Dwaaltuin’ is also one of the projects with which we want to steer Leuven & Beyond towards the title of European Capital of Culture. With its radical connection between people and nature, it fits perfectly into the LOV story.’
‘Game on!’
It is no coincidence that ‘Dwaaltuin/Wandering Garden (model 1/20)’ was unveiled during the heritage weekend with the theme ‘Game on!’. Wandering through a maze has always been an exciting and relaxing game for children and adults alike – just think of the green labyrinths in many castle gardens. On Tweebronnenplein, the playground of the former Technical School, you will find a temporary chalk drawing by Wietse Palmans. Just like in the old days, children can have fun finding their way out of this mini labyrinth.
With this new artwork, Bib Leuven is strengthening its role as an accessible cultural venue where literature, music and visual arts come together. In addition to work by Rinus Van de Velde, Murielle Princen and street art by Bisser, Warsnoes, Stina De Roeck and Artoon, among others, the Tweebronnen site is gaining a new artistic gem.