Musée des Moulins - Jean Bruggeman

About the museum

The museum tells the story of life in and around the mills, from the evolution of energy sources to electricity, by way of steam power. It was created around three mills that were rescued and reassembled in Villeneuve-d'Ascq by a regional association of mill enthusiasts. Since September 2022 it has been municipal and bears the name of Jean Bruggeman.

The Moulin des Olieux was the first to arrive, in 1976. Built in 1743 in Audruicq as a linseed press (tordoir à huile), it was converted into a flour mill, then dismantled and moved. Reassembled between 1977 and 1983, it was inaugurated on June 26, 1983 and has produced linseed oil since 1986. It is the only reconstructed tordoir of its kind in the region.

The flour mill, built in 1776, comes from Ruminghem. Brought back in 1979, it was restored from 1984 to 1988 and can once again grind wheat and sift flour. In 1987 a water mill dating from 1902, from Vers-sur-Selle, was added; it drove a trip hammer in a cutlery workshop. It does not run, but remains visible.

Objects, tools and trades connected with milling complete the visit. Virtual reality headsets offer a 360° tour of the flour mill.

Highlights

• Moulin des Olieux, the only reconstructed oil mill of this type in the region
• Flour mill from 1776, in working order
• Water mill from 1902, from Vers-sur-Selle
• Guided tours of the inside of the mills
• Virtual reality headsets for a 360° tour of the flour mill

Permanent exhibitions

• Le moulin des Olieux – Oil mill built in 1743, reconstructed in Villeneuve-d'Ascq and in operation since 1986 producing linseed oil.
• Le moulin à farine – Mill from 1776 brought from Ruminghem, restored in 1988 and able to grind wheat and sift flour.
• Le moulin à eau et les métiers du moulin – Water mill from 1902 linked to a cutlery workshop, with the tools and trades that surrounded the mills.

Operated by

Ville de Villeneuve-d'Ascq

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Third Sunday of the month

Admission is also free for nursery and primary schools from Villeneuve-d'Ascq (workshops and visits) and for educators accompanying groups with disabilities.

Accessibility

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

Accessible parking space in the car park near the entrance, adapted toilets, staff trained to welcome people with learning disabilities, and virtual reality headsets for a 360° tour of the flour mill.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

Courses for children and families during school holidays, milling workshops and birthday parties on Wednesday afternoons.

Getting there & parking

Via the Paris–Ghent motorway (A1/A22/N227), exit 5 or 6 “Flers / Château / Musée d'art moderne”.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit