The Summer of M

A summer full of activities at M Leuven

June 18, 2024

For the third time, M Leuven is organising the Summer of M, a vibrant series of activities for young and not so young. From 29 June, M Leuven offers a rich programme of events, afterworks, workshops and festivities that will make the summer days unforgettable. Visitors can enjoy the Summer Bar and relax in the Summer Garden, the perfect places to unwind between activities.

"During this 'Great Leave', there is a lot to do in Leuven. Be sure to pop into M Leuven or our cosy Summer Garden. Enjoy a performance and a snack and a drink, or get carried away by fascinating exhibitions and lots of surprising activities. This summer, even more than usual, M is the place to discover, get inspired, or recharge your batteries. Alone, with friends or family," says Bert Cornillie, Alderman for Culture and Chairman of M’s Board.

On the programma

Opening Party – Saturday 29 June, during M Leuven's opening hours

The Summer of M will kick off with an opening party on 29 June. This festive day promises a combination of art, music and conviviality, where the public can participate in various workshops for free or enjoy a snack and drink in the Summer Bar and Summer Garden.

This event not only marks the start of the Summer of M, it is also the opening of the new exhibition ‘Open M I Hidden in plain sight’ and the new collection presentation. During the opening party, the public can already get to know these new exhibitions in detail. Via a speed tour, visitors will discover 'Open M I Hidden in plain sight’ at lightning speed, while a guide takes families on a journey through the centuries in the 'Collection of M'.

Summer Bar – during M Leuven's opening hours

Both young and less young can visit the Summer Bar for a refreshing drink, snack or ice cream. During the week, radio station Willy broadcasts live, and on Thursday evening there is always a real afterwork, with DJ sets, a circus show, an open-air cinema, and so on. In short, something for everyone!

Summer Garden – during M Leuven's opening hours

M’s museum garden is transformed into Leuven’s best summer hang-out, the perfect place for an atmospheric picnic in the shade of the oak tree, for a game, or to read in a deckchair.

Presentation ‘Cover story de Lux’ – On Friday 5 July, 19 July, 23 August & 30 August, at 12h and 16h

Legendary radio maker Luc Janssen flipped through his record collection and picked out the most striking covers. Inspired by the artists and designers, he is using the artwork to reconstruct his musical journey. It spans his favourite post-punk music and the industrial sounds of the 80s, richly inspired by artists and designers.

Museum Play Street – every weekend in July and August (except weekends of 27 July and 3 August)

Families with children can come and play freely in M’s garden during most of the summer weekends. From hoops over a giant four-in-a-row game to a barefoot path - choices aplenty in the Museum Play Street. A play corner is also provided for toddlers. Creative activities are organised on Saturday afternoons. During these free workshops, children get to know the 'Collection of M' in a playful way or can train to become a professional musician, mud cooks or circus artists. Participation is free, join at any time.

In the museum halls – during M Leuven's opening hours

Apart from the new exhibitions, there are several ongoing exhibitions, including ‘Alias’, ‘A Space Begins, With Speaking’ by Sarah Smolders, ‘DOKA’ and M resident Lola Daels' show moment. With the variety of exhibitions at M Leuven, from emerging and regional talent to a group exhibition with international artists, the museum offers a rich and diverse selection. This summer, therefore, visitors will have the chance to (re)discover M in all its totality. This includes a diverse offer for families with a family trail through the 'Collection of M' and 'Alias'. During 'Discover M with Fly!', children can rummage through the 'DOKA' exhibition using a treasure hunt trail with a treasure map.

M-IDZOMER – From 1 to 4 August

Once again this year, Het Depot and M Leuven are joining forces to launch the thirteenth edition of the quirky music and culture festival M-IDZOMER. For four balmy summer nights in a row, M’s garden is transformed into an atmospheric festival site with a solid programme of live music,, with headliners including Novastar, Het Zesde Metaal and J. Bernardt.

The M of M-IDZOMER stands for 'music', but also for 'museum full of strong exhibitions'. Between performances, the audience can fully enjoy art in the museum halls of M. M-IDZOMER visitors get free access to the museum halls until 1 September, on presentation of their festival ticket.

Slow-reading-terrace – on Saturday 20 July and 10 August, from 16h to 17h

Slow reading is all about pleasure: compulsory reading lists and group discussions are off the agenda. Everyone simply reads whatever they like for an hour, in a cosy place, together with other enthusiasts in a cosy place. Barbóék in M and Slow Reading Leuven provide simple reading pleasure.

Book Market – on Sunday 21 July, during the opening hours of M Leuven

Barbóék in M is organising a convivial book market in the Summer Bar for the third time. Fans of art books, novels, poetry and non-fiction are sure to unearth some great finds.

Family Day – on Thursday 15 August, during M Leuven's opening hours

During the family day at M, there are three family courses to explore in the museum. In addition, children can play in the ZoMer garden, while music from radio station Willy will be heard and live performances and street theatre will be on show.