Grand Moulin d'Arenberg et Musée du Porphyre

About the museum

The mills of the Dukes of Arenberg, built at the end of the 14th century on the banks of the Senne, now form a cultural and tourist hub in Rebecq. The Grand Moulin, of brick and stone, was rebuilt between 1858 and 1860 on 16th-century foundations; it ground barley, oats and rye. The mills have been listed as a monument and site since 1980.

The building retains impressive machinery, driven by a paddle wheel 7.50 m in diameter. It also houses the Musée du Porphyre, which traces the history of this dark-blue volcanic rock, quarried at Quenast, and of its paving stones, known around the world as “Belgian blocks”.

The museum pays tribute to the cayoteux (quarry workers) and presents the different types of stone as well as period tools. Depending on the season, the mill also hosts temporary exhibitions. A visit to the museum can be combined with a visit to the Quenast quarries.

Highlights

• 7.50 m paddle wheel and mill machinery
• Quenast Porphyry Museum
• History of the quarries and of the trade of the cayoteux
• “Belgian blocks” paving stones and period tools
• Visits in French or Dutch

Permanent exhibition

• Musée du Porphyre – History of the porphyry, the Quenast quarries and the life of the cayoteux, with the types of stone, period tools and the “Belgian blocks” paving stones.

Operated by

Commune de Rebecq

Admission & discounts

Adult rate as listed by the Walloon Brabant tourist directory; other rates are not published.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

Auditorium on site.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit