The summer of your life? That’s the Summer of M!

New edition of M Leuven’s summer programme offers art and refreshment during the hottest months of the year

June 27, 2023

M Leuven is organising a second edition of the Summer of M from 1 July to 27 August – a summer-long programme of art, games, music, relaxation and refreshment. No matter how hot it gets outside, M’s air-conditioned galleries will remain blissfully cool. You can try the new family trails, borrow free games equipment at the reception desk, or enjoy an after-work drink in the Summer Bar on Thursdays. The music is selected – live – by one of Radio Willy’s well-known guests. And you can make the most of the warm weather in the Summer Garden, which is equipped with extra deck chairs and sunshades. For refreshing drinks and ice creams, you can visit Barbóék in M. In short: there’s something for everyone, even during a heat wave.

“I am thrilled that there’s a second edition of the Summer of M, a programme that always brings a holiday vibe to the heart of Leuven,” says Bert Cornillie, Alderman for Culture and Chairman of the Board of Directors at M. “Everything kicks off during the opening weekend on 1 and 2 July. It’s the perfect opportunity to be amongst the first to sample all that the programme has to offer, such as Barbóék’s summer brunch at M and the new family trail ‘Discover M with Fly!’, or to simply enjoy an ice cream under a sunshade.”

Peter Bary, M Leuven’s General Director, adds: “The Summer of M takes place in our museum garden and on the terrace, but it is certainly part of the galleries as well. The museum is a cooling oasis where you can recharge your batteries. I’m delighted that we are heading into the summer with exhibitions by three internationally renowned female artists: Leen Voet, Jill Magid’s The Migration of the Wings and Huma Bhabha’s LIVIN’ THINGS.”

On the programme

Summer Bar with Radio Willy – during M Leuven’s opening hours, from Monday to Friday (except from 24 July to 4 August)

This year, radio station Willy will dock at the Summer Bar on weekdays. The Willy team – Tomas De Soete, Stijn Meuris, Elien D’hooge and Sien Wynants – will be broadcasting live from the venue all summer long. Expect an exclusive programme. Meanwhile, you can enjoy drinks from the Summer Bar menu – also during the weekend.

The Summer Bar is open until 10pm on Thursdays for those who want to round off the working day with a glass of wine or a game of Kubb with their colleagues. One of Radio Willy’s well-known guests will be selecting the background music. The crew from the pizza truck De Fermentine will be baking sourdough pizzas using local and seasonal ingredients. Performances in collaboration with Willy, INUIT and CIRKLABO add to the atmosphere from 20:00.

Summer Garden – during M Leuven’s opening hours

M’s museum garden is transformed into Leuven’s best summer hang-out. Everyone is welcome to sit in the deck chairs, sprawl on a picnic blanket or lie under a sunshade. You can borrow free games equipment from the reception desk, such as Spikeball, a badminton set, throwing games like Kubb & Mölkky, and the Breton jeu de palets (shove-halfpenny). For the little ones, we’ve produced drawing sheets inspired by Leen Voet’s paintings.

Museum Play Street – every weekend in July and August (except weekends of 22 and 29 July)

Families with children can come and play freely in M’s garden during most of the summer weekends. A play corner is also provided for toddlers. Creative activities are organised on Saturday afternoons between 2pm and 5pm. During these free workshops, children can train to become professional soapbox-car racers, mud cooks or circus artists. Participation is free, join at any time.

M-IDZOMER – from Thursday 27 July to Sunday 30 July

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. Headliners include Suzanne Vega, Thurston Moore Group, José González and DAAN. Visitors can view the exhibitions by Leen Voet, Jill Magid and Huma Bhabha in the galleries plus work by Olivia Hernaïz, Georgy Chtchevaev, Clara Thomine, Onionfuzz and Daan Gielis.

Slow-reading terrace – on Sundays from 15:00 to 16:00 (except during M-IDZOMER)

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. The perfect accompaniment is a drink from the Summer Bar menu.

Book market – 21 July from 11:00 to 18:00

On Friday 21 July, Barbóék at M is organising a second book market on M’s public terrace. On offer: lots of bargains amongst art books, novels, poetry and non-fiction. Browse through the selection and, while you’re there, treat yourself to a drink at the Summer Bar.

Practical info

The Summer of M takes place from 01.07 to 27.08.2023.

The full programme can be found at www.mleuven.be/en/summer-of-m