Bocholter Brouwerijmuseum

About the museum

The Bocholter Brouwerijmuseum grew out of one of Belgium's oldest family breweries, Brouwerij Martens in Bocholt, whose history goes back to 1758. Jean Martens (1919–2008) founded the museum; his collection has been on display since 1979. The museum covers about 4,000 m² and calls itself the largest brewery museum in Europe.

The collection follows eight generations of brewers and shows how beer was brewed through the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries: from the traditional malt house and the impressive brew house to the nostalgic cask and bottling workshop, the brewers' carts and the tap room. Pieces include a copper yeast vessel, a mash and boiling kettle and a wort filter tub.

The visit is with a guide and lasts about two hours. Afterwards visitors can linger in the museum café or on the garden terrace. The museum also has five rooms that are rented out for parties, meetings and other events.

Highlights

• Brew house with copper, wood and three centuries of craftsmanship
• Traditional malt house and cask and bottling workshop
• Brewers' carts and old bottling installations
• Copper yeast vessel, mash and boiling kettle and wort filter tub
• Museum café and sunny garden terrace

Permanent exhibition

• Brouwerijgeschiedenis van 1758 tot nu – Authentic brewing technology from three centuries: malt house, brew house, cask and bottling workshop, brewers' carts and tap room.

Founded

1979

Operated by

Brouwerij Martens

Admission & discounts

Individual visit in July and August: €10 per person, with mandatory reservation. The museum confirms availability, time and price when the request is made.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in the centre of Bocholt, opposite Brouwerij Martens.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Original museum café and garden terrace; the visit ends there.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Five rooms from 40 m² to 500 m² (Grote Bar, Kleine Bar, Lusterzaal, Moutkorrel and Het Verdiep) for parties, receptions, meetings, seminars and presentations, with tailor-made catering.

Plan your visit