Bezoekerscentrum Dru!f

About the museum

The visitor centre Dru!f has been in the centre of Overijse since 2012 and tells the story of the table grape, the regional product from which the Druivenstreek (grape region) takes its name. On the ground floor are the tourist reception and brasserie Den Bonten Os; on the first floor the exhibition; and on the top floor the archive of the local history society De Beierij van Ijse.

The collection consists of everyday objects donated by greenhouse growers from the region, which show the craftsmanship of the grape growers going back more than a hundred years. It has been expanded and looked after by volunteers and the municipality of Overijse since 1986. Part of it can be seen in the exhibition ‘Stap in de voetsporen van een echte serrist’ (“Step in the footsteps of a real greenhouse grower”), which explains how grapes are grown, from the oldest techniques to the latest technologies.

Along the greenhouse glass runs a timeline of the table grape since 1865: from the origins of grape cultivation to the tram line and export in the 1920s and 1930s, the Second World War, the European Common Market and energy crises, the provincial horticultural centre Solheide, and today’s protected designation of origin. Wooden panels show what happens in the greenhouse, from fertilising and heating to harvesting and packing. The tapestry ‘Het bezoek van Edmond Dubrunfaut’ also hangs in the centre.

Highlights

• Expo ‘Stap in de voetsporen van een echte serrist’ about grape cultivation
• Greenhouse glass with a timeline of the table grape since 1865
• Tapestry ‘Het bezoek van Edmond Dubrunfaut’
• Free activity booklet ‘Op druivenexpeditie’ for families
• Tourist reception and brasserie Den Bonten Os in the same building

Permanent exhibition

• Stap in de voetsporen van een echte serrist – Exhibition on the cultivation of the table grape, with objects used by greenhouse growers, greenhouse glass with the history of the grape since 1865, and panels about work in the greenhouse.

Founded

2012

Operated by

Gemeente Overijse

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free and you do not need to book. With a museum pass or a UiTPAS (from 10 points) you receive a notepad with a grape greenhouse at the reception after you have answered the contest question; these benefits apply only during the reception’s opening hours.

Accessibility

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

The inner courtyard of the tourist reception consists of cobblestones with a path of sawn cobblestones. A self-operated platform lift outside gives access to the terrace, the accessible toilet and the entrance of Dru!f. On the way to the exhibition there is a stair lift operated by the reception or restaurant staff; there are chairs in the exhibition. There is a visual step-by-step plan for people with autism and an accessibility guide. Assistance dogs are allowed; other pets are not.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Families with children aged 5 to 12 go in search of the treasure of Vlieg with the activity booklet ‘Op druivenexpeditie’; admission and the game are free. For schools there are free workshops and guided tours, such as ‘Op stap met Pietje Royal’ (third nursery class to second year of primary school), ‘Op druivenexpeditie’, a weaving workshop and a walk through Overijse.

Getting there & parking

By car, take exit 2 (Jezus/Eik/Hoeilaart) from the E411 towards Namur, turn left over the bridge and follow the road to the church. During the Druivenfeesten in August the centre of Overijse is difficult to reach.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant

Brasserie Den Bonten Os on the ground floor, with terrace.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit