In Belgium, there’s an abandoned city that’s found new life through the creativity of street artists.
If you’re a fan of street art, Doel is a spot you’ll want to see. Located in the Flanders region, Doel is empty of residents but filled with vibrant artwork on its walls. It’s also known for housing a nuclear power plant, although that’s not why it became a ghost town. Back in 2008, Doel was slated for demolition to make way for the expansion of the Port of Antwerp, compelling its residents to leave.
By 2012, the empty city began to transform. Street artists took over, covering every wall with paintings of robots, giant animals, and quirky characters. This transformation turned Doel into a symbol of street art.
The artists aimed to make a statement against local politicians and their plans to demolish the city. Their hope was to halt the destruction by highlighting the city’s new identity as a vibrant tourist attraction. Today, Doel draws in many tourists, artists, fans, and curious visitors, even though its days are numbered and it will eventually be reduced to colorful rubble.
Some might call it vandalism, but the murals in Doel show the power of art to transform even the bleakest places into a canvas bursting with creativity.