‘Wiels’ was a popular brand of beer produced in this impressive brewery. The modernist architecture of this building is the work of Adrien Blomme, who designed it in 1930. From the 1980s onwards, the brewery gradually phased out its activities, leaving the site to fall into disrepair. As the brewing stopped, the neighbourhood also deteriorated. In 2007 the brewery was given a new lease of life as a contemporary art centre. The lobby of WIELS is the former brewing hall, with its huge copper kettles as a nod to the past. However, the building now looks to the future, brewing inspiring new ideas.
From beer to art
Location: Av. Van Volxem, 354, 1190 Forest
