Kempens Diamantcentrum

About the museum

In 1908 Petrus Lieckens had a diamond-cutting workshop built on the Spoorweglei in Nijlen for his sons War and Denis, who had learned the trade in Antwerp. In the workshop only flat diamonds were cut at first, later mainly half and full rose-cut diamonds. When electricity arrived around 1929, an electric motor replaced the original gas engine; otherwise the workshop remained virtually unchanged, and it closed for good in 1985.

In 2004 the municipality of Nijlen bought the workshop and the land around it. On 27 November 2008 the building was protected as a monument. After restoration grants in 2014 it was carefully restored, including the cutters' stools and the green lamps. It is one of the few fully equipped, pre-war diamond-cutting workshops in the region.

On 1 August 2014 the Kempens Diamantcentrum opened next to the workshop. Through a permanent exhibition it tells the story of the diamond industry in the Kempen, shows how diamonds were worked, and also offers tourist information and regional products.

Highlights

• Lieckens workshop, a protected pre-war diamond-cutting workshop
• Permanent exhibition on the diamond heritage of the Kempen
• Cutting demonstration and explanation by a guide or former cutter
• Audio guide for adults and for children
• Shop with regional products

Permanent exhibitions

• Kempens Diamantcentrum – Permanent exhibition on the history of the diamond industry in the Kempen, with an explanation of cutting.
• Slijperij Lieckens – The preserved pre-war workshop from 1908, with cutters' stools, green lamps and the original work space.

Founded

2014

Operated by

Gemeente Nijlen

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Visiting the Kempens Diamantcentrum and the Lieckens workshop is free; only guided group visits are paid.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• 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 centre is at the back of the site; go into the small lane between house numbers 40 and 44. Dementia-friendly guided tours are organised for people living with dementia.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

There is an audio guide specially for children. Schools can book a visit with a guide and a cutting demonstration.

Getting there & parking

The centre is not easy to spot from the street: go into the small lane between house numbers 40 and 44. You can park your bicycle at the centre.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The shop sells regional products and publications about the Kempen.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The basement level can be rented for events and meetings for €9 per hour; reserve by email.

Plan your visit