“The Museum of work and industry exists to inform visitors of the industrial past of the Brussels Region, to foster a keener appreciation of various aspects of work yesterday and today, and to stimulate an awareness of the industrial heritage.”

Dedicated to the story of work and workers in the Brussels area, we strive to explain how the capital of Belgium was affected by the opportunities and challenges of the Industrial Revolution and how it has evolved in the last century. Located on the site of a 19^th century foundry (la Compagnie des bronzes) alongside the canal, our museum is housing a permanent exhibition and is presenting temporary exhibitions on various topics related to the history of work.

Our intentions :

• to show how industrialization has affected the economic and social fabric of Brussels and the relationships between citizens
• to provide explanations as to why Brussels has seen his industrial strength diminished over time, and the different initiatives taken to reverse this reality.
• to encourage an understanding and appreciation of the city industrial character today and its potential for the future.
• to disseminate information and promote the results of modern research about history of labour in Brussels

Our functions :

• Museum (collection, exhibits, programs, events, research library, public enquiries, acquiring and disseminating new knowledge)
• Cultural resource (supporting local associations by partnering in temporary exhibits)
• Community gathering place (facility rentals, large community events, walking trail)

Our actions :

• We are preparing a permanent exhibition on the history of industrialisation in Brussels
• We regularly organize temporary exhibitions in Brussels on history of work and industries
• We offer guided tours of Brussels, on foot, by boat or bus, on socio-histocical topics and we focus on the industrial history of the city

• We publish twice yearly the Journal of The Foundry, on historical topics. The last issue (nr 44) focused on the history of social security in Belgium
• We are holding archives and a vast collection of artefacts (machineries, tools, objects,…)
• We have a library with written, audio and visual material.