Knokke-Heist (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Zoo aan Zee exhibition at Scharpoord Cultural Centre (March 22, 2025 – August 24, 2025) celebrates Panamarenko’s 85th birthday, showcasing his mechanical creatures. Inspired by Wuivende Krabben, it features sculptures, drawings, and Colorado beetles. Guided tours every Sunday.
The Scharpoord Cultural Centre in Knokke-Heist is hosting an exhibition called “Zoo aan Zee.” The exhibition celebrates the work of artist Panamarenko. It’s part of a series of events called “Panamarenko 85” to mark his 85th birthday.
The exhibition is available through the end of August 2025. There are sculptures, drawings, photos, and various objects. Panamarenko’s mechanical beasts are the major focus of the display. They are structures imitating the animals’ movements, particularly birds and insects.
How does Zoo aan Zee in Knokke-Heist celebrate Panamarenko?
The exhibition is inspired by “Wuivende Krabben,” a permanent installation by Panamarenko on Zegemeer lake. “Wuivende Krabben” is made up of moving sculptures. Zoo aan Zee brings Panamarenko’s creations indoors. The exhibition wants to honor Panamarenko’s creativity and make sure his work inspires people. Guided tours are offered every Sunday morning to learn more about Panamarenko’s work.
According to the Panamarenko’s wife, one of his earliest memories was seeing Colorado beetles during World War II. He thought they were beautiful, not pests. The exhibition has Colorado beetles to show how much he loved animals.
She mentioned that Panamarenko often made art about nature, especially flight. He made mechanical birds, sculptures inspired by insects, and flying machines. He wanted to connect nature and human dreams.
Animals have always played an important role in his world. It is the first time that this specific theme has been chosen for an exhibition.” A lot of colour and imagination is brought in. And there are a few pieces here that I had not seen myself,
Says Panamarenko’s wife
The exhibition has lots of Panamarenko’s art from private collections and museums. People can can see how he made art about humans flying. He made sculptures that are also like experiments, showing how animals move.
The exhibition was made by art historian Jo Coucke. The exhibition was made with help from the Knokke-Heist city government, the Panamarenko Foundation, the Zwin Nature Park, and Hotel La Réserve Resort.
