Belgian Beer World

About the museum

Belgian Beer World occupies the former Brussels Stock Exchange, a neoclassical palace built between 1868 and 1873 by the architect Léon-Pierre Suys. Stock trading continued there until 1996. The building then hosted exhibitions and events, and became a meeting place for Brussels residents and Belgians.

After a major renovation carried out under a public-private partnership, more than 12,000 m² were opened to the public from September 2023. The project is supported by European, federal and regional funds, as well as by 103 Belgian breweries; it is managed by an autonomous municipal agency. The great nave is freely accessible and also serves as a meeting place for local residents.

The route devoted to the culture of Belgian beer, which is on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, runs through five zones: an introduction to “belgitude”, anecdotes about the history of beer, a look inside the mind of a brewer, the brewhouse, and a multisensory tasting area. Beneath the building, the Bruxella 1238 archaeological site presents the remains of a 13th-century Franciscan convent, excavated between 1988 and 2022, with the supposed burial vault of John I of Brabant, alias Gambrinus. The Belgian Beer World ticket also gives access to this site.

Highlights

• Five-zone route through the culture of Belgian beer, designed with about a hundred breweries
• Tasting during the visit, and a 33 cl drink included at the rooftop The Beerlab
• Bruxella 1238 archaeological site beneath the Stock Exchange, with the supposed vault of Gambrinus
• Free audio guide via app, with King Gambrinus as your guide
• Neoclassical Stock Exchange palace (1868–1873) and rooftop terrace

Permanent exhibitions

• Belgian Beer World Experience – Interactive route in five zones through the culture of Belgian beer: history, the art of brewing, fermentation and tasting, finishing on a rooftop.
• Bruxella 1238 – Archaeological site beneath the Stock Exchange with the remains of a 13th-century Franciscan convent, and objects and burials found during the excavations.

Founded

2023

Operated by

Régie Communale Autonome (RCA)

Admission & discounts

The ticket includes the visit, a tasting during the route and a 33 cl drink on the rooftop The Beerlab. It also gives access to the Bruxella 1238 site (a Bruxella 1238 ticket on its own also exists). Entry is possible with the Brussels Card; purchase on site only on presentation of the pass. Tickets can also be bought on site. No refunds.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The site states that it offers access for people with reduced mobility among its services, as well as toilets and showers.

Kids & families

Specific rates for children aged 4 to 11 and 12 to 15, and free entry up to age 3. Non-alcoholic drinks are offered to people who do not drink alcohol, children included.

Getting there & parking

With the SNCB Discovery Ticket you get a discount on the train journey to Brussels.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Wi-Fi

Bar and food service on site, the rooftop The Beerlab (a tasting space on a roof terrace) and the Beer Shop. Cloakroom at reception for bags and jackets. Wi-Fi access is listed among the site’s services.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

The rooftop can be booked for a private event; requests for events at the Stock Exchange go through the booking platform.

Plan your visit