Walter Van Beirendonck designed PLAYGROUND for C-mine

On Saturday, 7 February 2026, C-mine in Genk will open PLAYGROUND, a new, innovative playscape where art, imagination, and play come together. For this first edition, C-mine is collaborating with Walter Van Beirendonck, internationally renowned fashion designer and member of the legendary Antwerp Six. With Welcome Little Stranger, he takes a step outside of fashion and creates an artistic environment that invites children to discover, move, and – above all – play.

From fashion to playscape

Van Beirendonck is known for his outspoken imagery, colourful shapes, and socially engaged designs. His work often deals with identity, diversity, and fantasy – themes that also resonate in Welcome Little Stranger.

The design is based on the theme of extraterrestrial life and invites visitors to meet a mysterious “little stranger.”

“I wanted to design an environment that stimulates children to use their imagination, without screens or digital distractions. Welcome Little Stranger is about wonder, the joy of discovery, and playing together without boundaries.”— Walter Van Beirendonck

This project is unique because it is the first time Van Beirendonck has translated his vision into an interactive playscape. In doing so, he not only explores the boundaries of his own discipline but also those of what a play environment can be: more than just a playground, a place where art and play challenge one another.

Play as a mindset

Since 2023, C-mine has been developing projects under its PLAY-label, which aim to encourage young and old to rediscover play – in creative, qualitative, and artistic ways. The playful summer exhibition Any Way the Wind Blows (2024), which attracted 20,000 visitors, was an important first step. With PLAYGROUND, C-mine powerfully continues this vision.

Play is an essential part of our culture and society. C-mine does not only want to facilitate play, but also cultivate it as a mindset. PLAYGROUND is conceived as a creative laboratory where art and play reinforce one another, and where children can take on an autonomous role. Not a miniaturized version of the adult world, but fully designed for children.

“It is important for us to give children co-ownership of an artwork and a creative process. Their imagination is unique and deserves all the space it needs.”
​— Laurens Mariën, curator PLAYGROUND

For children, with children

The autonomous role and co-ownership of children form the foundation of the PLAYGROUND project. The process began with workshops in which (Genk-based) children actively contributed ideas and shared their perspectives. For this, C-mine and Van Beirendonck collaborated with artist and LUCA School of Arts alumna Emma Ribbens, who facilitated the participatory trajectory.

“With PLAYGROUND, Genk once again shows itself as a creative and innovative city. We consciously invest in places where art and play come together. PLAYGROUND adds a new location that attracts families and schools from across the region, while at the same time putting our city on the international map.”
​— Wim Dries, Mayor of Genk

PRESS MOMENT

Save the date: On Friday, 6 February 2026, the official press opening of PLAYGROUND –Welcome Little Stranger by Walter Van Beirendonck and C-mine will take place.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening: Saturday, 7 February 2026
​Opening hours: every day 10am–5pm, closed on Mondays
​Location: Multipurpose Hall, C-mine, Genk
​Tickets: Standard rate €6 / Residents of Genk €4 (on sale from 8 December 2025)

Illustrations by WUJIC JO / Graphic design Bureau Boschberg’