C’ART Connects Lille Metropole and Belgium – A New Chapter for Culture Without Borders

A New Step for Cultural Cooperation in Europe

Lille Metropole continues to strengthen its European cultural partnerships through C’ART, the annual museum pass giving unlimited access to the region’s main museums. Since its creation in 2013, the pass has symbolised the idea of culture as a bridge—between institutions, citizens, and now, between countries.

In 2025, a new chapter opens for C’ART, with its extension to Belgium — a decisive step towards building a genuine cross-border cultural network between the Hauts-de-France and the Belgian territories. This extension is part of a two-year pilot project, validated in November 2024, testing cross-border access to cultural institutions and allowing the Eurometropole Lille–Kortrijk–Tournai to explore potential reciprocal initiatives with Belgian museums. This collaboration supports Lille Metropole’s long-standing ambition to make the Eurometropole a living laboratory of European citizenship, where culture transcends borders.

The C’ART in a Few Words

Initially launched by MEL and five founding museums, C’ART now unites 15 museums and cultural centres across the metropolis. Holders enjoy unlimited access for one year to both permanent collections and temporary exhibitions, with discounts at partner venues and events. Available in several formats—Solo, Duo, Tribu, Jeunes (under 26)—the pass promotes cultural mobility and inclusion, making discovery easier for all audiences.

From the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Lille to La Piscine in Roubaix, from the MUba Eugène Leroy in Tourcoing to LaM in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, C’ART has become a shared cultural identity for the territory.

Towards Belgium: A Cross-Border Cultural Ecosystem

The recent extension of C’ART to Belgian museums (Tournai, Comines-Warneton, Courtrai, Ypres, Mouscron) represents a major leap forward. This new partnership aims to:

• Facilitate cross-border access to cultural institutions for French and Belgian audiences;
• Encourage joint programming, including shared exhibitions and cultural itineraries;
• Foster artistic dialogue and exchange between institutions on both sides of the border.

Local representatives see this partnership as a practical example of European cooperation, showing how culture can connect territories, encourage cross-border mobility, and bring citizens together. 

Fiesta: The Spirit of Celebration and Cultural Connection

 From 26 April to 9 November 2025, Fiesta, the 7th edition of lille3000, turned the entire metropolis into a space for creativity and shared cultural experiences. Under the theme “Fiesta”, this edition celebrated the joy of gathering and the power of culture to unite. Among the 1,000 events organised across the metropolitan area were parades, balls, exhibitions, concerts, and participatory projects, all encouraging residents and visitors to experience culture as a shared celebration. The opening parade alone brought together around 2,000 participants and was watched by nearly 300,000 spectators.

For MEL, Fiesta and C’ART complement one another perfectly: while Fiesta animates public spaces and brings art into everyday life, C’ART builds long-term cultural engagement. Through the C’ART and its new Belgian partnership, MEL shows that culture, when made accessible and borderless, becomes a living expression of Europe’s diversity and unity.