La Fonderie. Brussels Museum of Industry and Labor

La Fonderie. Musée Bruxellois de l'Industrie et du Travail

“The Museum of work and industry exists to inform visitors of the industrial past of the Brussels Region, to foster a keener appreciation of various aspects of work yesterday and today, and to stimulate an awareness of the industrial heritage.”

Dedicated to the story of work and workers in the Brussels area, we strive to explain how the capital of Belgium was affected by the opportunities and challenges of the Industrial Revolution and how it has evolved in the last century. Located on the site of a 19^th century foundry (la Compagnie des bronzes) alongside the canal, our museum is housing a permanent exhibition and is presenting temporary exhibitions on various topics related to the history of work.

Throughout the 19th century, Brussels grows and is profoundly transformed from the urban, economic and social point of view. The Charleroi canal and the ability to access the sea, the railways, and population growth all facilitate and feed the Industrial Revolution. Today, de-industrialisation has erased many factories and workshops from the urban landscape, while the service sector has surged.

 We want you to discover in our museum the industrial history of Brussels. For years, the city created, processed, distributed and exported countless "Made in Brussels" products. We have decided here to consider four important materials for urban life: wood, fabric, metal and food. These four industries have long influenced our city. We will follow their development, from manufacturing to consumption, over the last two centuries.

 

 

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