Mines de Beffrois

Le blog touristique du bassin minier

Category: Culture

  • Exhibition L’œil du chas: Contemporary Photography in Arras

    📅 Until July 26, 2026
    📍 Galerie L’œil du chas, 1 rue des petits véziers, 62000 Arras

    The L’œil du chas gallery in Arras presents a contemporary photography exhibition not to be missed. In this small space dedicated to the image, the exhibiting artists question the gaze and perception, offering a sharp vision of the world around us.

    Located in the heart of Arras, just steps from the majestic squares, this intimate gallery is worth the detour for art and photography lovers. The chance to discover emerging talents in a warm and accessible setting.

    The exhibition is open until July 26 — don’t wait too long to visit!

    🔗 More info: arraspaysdartois.com

  • Meet & Drink: Jules Breton, Painter of Rural Life in Courrières

    📅 Friday, July 24, 2026 at 6:30 PM
    📍 9-9bis, Rue Alain Bashung, 62590 Oignies (off-site event)

    The 9-9bis invites you to an off-site meet & drink dedicated to Jules Breton (1827-1906), the famous painter of rural life. In partnership with the local history club of Courrières, this evening will introduce you to the work and life of this artist who immortalized the landscapes and scenes of peasant life in Northern France.

    Jules Breton, born in Courrières, is one of the most important painters of the 19th-century French school. His paintings poetically and sincerely depict field work, harvests, and village festivals. A chance to rediscover a local artistic heritage that is often overlooked.

    A friendly moment in the heart of the mining basin, combining art history and local memory. Come share a drink and exchange ideas!

    🔗 More info: 9-9bis.com

  • Meet & Drink: Fleury Joseph Crépin, Art Brut Pioneer at 9-9bis

    📅 Thursday, July 17, 2026 at 6:30 PM
    📍 9-9bis, Rue Alain Bashung, 62590 Oignies

    The 9-9bis invites you to a meet & drink event dedicated to Fleury Joseph Crépin, a legendary figure of Art Brut. Joined by Savine Faupin, curator at LaM (Lille Métropole Musée d’Art moderne), this evening dives into the fascinating world of a miner who became a visionary artist.

    Fleury Joseph Crépin (1875-1948) was a miner from the coal basin who, driven by mystical visions, produced works of great graphic complexity. His drawings, true geometric mandalas, are now recognized as masterpieces of Art Brut and exhibited worldwide.

    The perfect opportunity to discover the unique artistic heritage of the mining basin, where mining history meets spontaneous creation. Drinks and snacks will be offered in a friendly atmosphere.

    🔗 More info: 9-9bis.com

  • Louvre-Lens Therapy: Art Therapy in the Museum Park

    📅 From July 18 to August 29, 2026
    📍 Musee du Louvre-Lens, Lens

    Louvre-Lens Therapy: an art therapist invites you to use imagination as expression in the museum park. Wellness and creativity sessions from July 18 to August 29.

    This event takes place in the heart of the Mining Basin, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A great opportunity to discover the local heritage and culture.

    Source: Official website

  • Orientalism Week at the Louvre-Lens Park Festival

    📅 Du 15 au 19 juillet 2026
    📍 Parc du Louvre-Lens, Lens

    Orientalism Week at the Louvre-Lens Park Festival — Le Parc en fête du Louvre-Lens propose une Semaine des orientalismes du 15 au 19 juillet : atelier de calligraphies arabes, initiation au derbouka, danses orientales et bien d’autres animations pour découvrir les cultures orientales dans un cadre verdoyant et convivial.

    This event takes place in the heart of the Mining Basin, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s a great opportunity to discover or rediscover the local heritage and culture.

    For more information, visit: Official website

  • Exhibition Tribute to Augustin Herbin “Dialogue of Alphabets” in Le Cateau-Cambrésis

    📅 From May 23 to September 20, 2026
    📍 Le Cateau-Cambrésis, Musée départemental Matisse

    The Musée départemental Matisse in Le Cateau-Cambrésis pays tribute to Augustin Herbin with the exhibition “Dialogue des alphabets”. Born in Quiévy in the Cambrésis, Herbin is one of the pioneers of geometric abstraction and a major creator of concrete art.

    The exhibition explores the dialogue between the visual alphabets created by Herbin and his painted work, revealing the spiritual and philosophical dimension of his artistic approach. A major cultural event near the mining basin.

    🔗 More info: [Destination Cambrésis](https://www.destination-cambresis.fr/evenement/exposition-hommage-a-augustin-herbin-dialogue-des-alphabets/)

  • July Thursdays at 9-9bis: Free Concerts by Ysé and Brö in Oignies

    📅 Thursdays July 16 and 23, 2026 at 6:30 PM
    📍 9-9bis, Rue Alain Bashung, Oignies (62590)

    The 9-9bis, a remarkable mining site classified by UNESCO, presents its July Thursdays with two free outdoor concerts! On July 16, discover Ysé in concert in the magnificent setting of the Métaphone. On July 23, Brö will take the stage.

    These musical evenings are the perfect opportunity to discover or rediscover the 9-9bis, a jewel of mining heritage, while enjoying quality concerts in a rehabilitated industrial setting. Admission is free and the atmosphere is always friendly.

    🔗 More info: [9-9bis](https://9-9bis.com/agenda/)

  • Biennale “The Invisible Worlds of Augustin Lesage” in Béthune-Bruay

    📅 From May 23 to November 15, 2026
    📍 Béthune-Bruay and surrounding municipalities

    The 2nd visual arts biennale of the Béthune-Bruay area pays tribute to Augustin Lesage, a miner painter from Burbure associated with the spiritualist movement. Throughout the biennale, discover exhibitions, events, workshops, performances and activities organized in the municipalities of the agglomeration.

    Augustin Lesage (1876-1954), a miner who became a visionary painter, is an emblematic figure of the mining basin. This biennale highlights his exceptional artistic legacy and the deep connection between artistic creation and the working-class world.

    🔗 More info: [Béthune-Bruay Tourisme](https://www.tourisme-bethune-bruay.fr/les-mondes-invisibles-d-augustin-lesage-a-aujourd-hui)

  • Exhibition “Osier nos géants” in Douai: Willow Craft for the Giants

    📅 Until September 14, 2026
    📍 Douai, Museum of Fine Arts

    The exhibition “Osier nos géants” highlights the art of wickerwork and willow craftsmanship, at the heart of the creation of the North’s giants. The procession giants, classified by UNESCO, require exceptional wickerwork skills for their construction and maintenance.

    This immersive exhibition allows you to understand how basket makers create and repair these procession colossi, true emblems of the mining basin and the entire North. A must-see cultural rendezvous in Douai!

    🔗 More info: [Douaisis Tourisme](https://www.douaisis-agglo-tourisme.com/offres/exposition-osier-nos-geants-douai-fr-6642438/)

  • Exhibition « Silence After Impact » – War Ruins Photography at the Louvre-Lens

    📅 From May 2 to August 30, 2026
    📍 Musée du Louvre-Lens, Lens

    The exhibition “Silence After Impact” questions war ruin photography, from the First World War to contemporary conflicts. Through a powerful and moving photographic journey, it examines our relationship with the memory of destroyed places and the visual trace of conflict.

    The photographs presented cover a century of history, from 14-18 battlefields to contemporary ruins. In a territory scarred by war, this exhibition resonates in a particularly meaningful way.

    The Louvre-Lens hosts this exhibition in a setting that invites reflection and contemplation. An essential visit to understand how the photographic image shapes our relationship with the past and with destruction.

    Source: [Lens Tourist Office](https://tourisme-lens.fr/sortir/les-evenements/)

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