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In Belgium’s vibrant capital, Brussels, a fresh chapter unfolds in the valorization of its illustrious brewing heritage, a sector that is not only prolific but deeply rooted in national tradition and history. The “Belgian Beer World,” a museum consecrated to celebrating Belgian beer—a national treasure registered on the Unesco World Heritage list—will be inaugurated this Saturday within the eminent edifice of the former stock exchange, where 19th-century architecture has been meticulously conserved and rejuvenated.
Strategically situated a stone’s throw away from the famed Grand Place and the equally renowned Manneken Pis, the museum harbors aspirations to establish itself as an indispensable stop in tourists’ itineraries, pursuing a dual ambition. On one hand, it aims to spotlight the rich history and diversity of Belgian beer, and on the other, it aims to invigorate the economy by supporting a substantial economic sector, a sentiment echoed by the Mayor of Brussels, Philippe Close.
The magnitude of the brewing industry in Belgium cannot be understated. Boasting 430 breweries, it engenders a considerable employment landscape, accounting for nearly 6,900 direct jobs and having a ripple effect on 50,000 indirect jobs, thus constituting 1% of the national wealth. This economic vibrancy is amplified by a pronounced international outreach, with 70% of the production venturing beyond Belgian borders, according to data presented by the Belgian Brewers Federation.
More than just an exhibition space, the museum endeavors to narrate the beer’s journey from its medieval genesis to contemporary refinement, revealing manufacturing secrets encompassing essential ingredients and diverse brewing techniques. Upholding a decidedly modern and playful spirit, the multi-tiered exhibition offers interactive and sensory experiences, including immersion into a simulated fermentation vat, a technical marvel designed to stimulate visitors’ senses.
As they reach the culmination of this historical and sensory journey, visitors are ushered to the zenith of the experience—a tasting space situated on a rooftop terrace, the “Sky bar”—where a discerning array of a hundred beers from the 1,600 indexed in Belgium are showcased, thereby embodying the full spectrum of Belgian gastronomic nuances, from light pills to triple fermentation beers.
Charles Leclef, at the helm of the autonomous municipal management entrusted with operating “Beer World,” underscores the museum’s educational and cultural orientation, rejecting any endorsement of alcohol consumption. He maintains that the paramount objective is to illuminate the creativity and diversity of Belgian beers, a product ingrained in the daily lives of Belgians.
However, the initiative has not been immune to critiques, particularly from small-scale producers who perceive it as a grandiloquent display window for major groups, notably the behemoth AB InBev. Such criticism is repudiated by Mr. Leclef, who assures that the museum bestows no particular privilege upon any brewery.
Beyond the festivity of beer, this project epitomizes a significant milestone in the rejuvenation of the old stock exchange, a historic edifice reconnecting with the general public by opening its ground-floor cross-through gallery during the day, thus adding a new gem to Brussels’ cultural and heritage diadem.
With AFP