Launched in 2013 by the Urban Community of Lille, the C’ART is a cultural initiative that initially brought together 5 museums from across the Lille metropolitan area. Twelve years on, the network has grown and this pass offers unlimited one-year access to the permanent collections and temporary exhibitions of 15 museums and art centres, along with discounts at 5 regional partner museums, and numerous advantages at cultural venues and festivals in the metropolitan area. By 2024, more than 8,800 passes had been sold, generating over 53,200 museum admissions across the network.

Building on its success, the pass has diversified its offer with various cultural partnerships and private events organised exclusively for members. After extending its action with advantages in art places outside the metropolitan area, such as the Musée Matisse in Cateau-Cambrésis and the Forum antique in Bavay, the C’ART is headed to Belgium.

From spring 2025, 7 museums in 5 Belgian cities will join the C’ART to share their cultural access:

• Musée des Beaux-Arts and TAMAT in Tournai ;

• Plugstreet 14-18 in Comines-Warneton ;

• Musea Kortrijk in Courtrai ;

• Ypres Museum and In Flanders Fields in Ypres ;

• the Musée de Folklore vie Frontalière (MUSEF) in Mouscron.

This two-year pilot partnership will provide reduced-price access for C'ART holders and will enhance the cultural dynamism and integration of the Lille-Kortrijk-Tournai Eurometropole. This cross-border expansion responds to public demand and represents an experimental initiative aimed at fostering greater cultural connectivity across the region.

Currently, Belgian residents account for just 1% of C’ART holders. By expanding the network into Belgium, the initiative aims to attract a greater number of cross-border visitors while simultaneously encouraging Belgian residents to explore the Lille metropolitan area. Beyond its appeal to the general public, this initiative also offers opportunities for cultural professionals. A dedicated cooperation component will allow all institutions in the C’ART network to share best practices and strengthen their collaborations.

Accessibility is another cornerstone of the C’ART initiative. Most partner museums are easily reachable from the Lille metropolitan area by public transport or through car-sharing solutions.

If you would like to find out more about C’ART and its offer, you can check out the website.