Pumpkins become woodland animals in a Belgian castle garden

Pumpkimania is filling the garden of Groot-Bijgaarden castle near Brussels with pumpkin-covered foxes, owls and deer.

This is an ongoing autumn sculpture exhibition, not a new world weight record or confirmation that its expected visitor total has already been reached.

Did a pumpkin grow into a fox?

The organizer explains that wooden and wire frames are covered in pumpkins of different colors and shapes. This year’s theme is forest magic. The animals are assembled artworks rather than single oddly grown vegetables. Euronews’ October 16–17 on-location video and account provide an independent view of the installations.

The season and opening days differ

The official season runs September 25–November 1. Through October 23, opening is 10:00–18:00 local time, with Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday closures. October 24–November 1 is advertised as daily, 10:00–20:00. The video description still says 19:00; use the organizer’s current 20:00 listing and check for changes before visiting.

What do 772 kilograms and 50,000 mean?

The 772-kilogram specimen described on location is a displayed giant pumpkin, not a certified world record. Around 50,000 is an organizer expectation for visitors, not a final attendance count. Standard admission is listed as €16 for adults, €9 for ages 5–14 and free for under-fives. Discounts and separate activity conditions require checking at purchase.

What remains unmeasured?

The display shows how a crop’s colors, shapes and combinations can become a cultural experience alongside size competitions. The sources do not quantify economic benefits or establish the final destination of every pumpkin. Official ticket, schedule and transport information are the next checks. Pumpkin-boat footage describes an organized event; it is not an invitation to improvise a boat.

Primary sources and independent checks

Organizer: construction, dates, closure days, current 20:00 closing and admission; distinct from actual attendance: Pumpkimania — practical information 2026

Independent location-video account: display, 772 kg and expected visitors; official 20:00 takes precedence over video’s 19:00: Euronews — on-location video, 16/10/2026

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