Brussels stock exchange to become a ‘Beer Temple’

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The present ‘Bourse’ building in central Brussels could well be turned into a large Beer Museum which could become a top tourist attraction, like in Dublin and Amsterdam. 

The new museum will have a bar and a shop, if all goes according to plan. The project involves a budget of at least 15 million euros, and more funding has still to be found.

But if all goes well, Belgian beer will be served at the place where traders are buying and selling shares. The museum will not be a collection of static displays however. It will instead become a participative museum which offers visitors a real “beer experience”, a complete package in what will be called “The Belgian Beer Temple”.

The Belgian beer sector started the initiative for the project under the direction of former politician Sven Gatz, who is now at the helm of the Belgian Federation of Beer Brewers. However, more cash has to be found before the project can receive the go-ahead. Part of the cash is coming from the City of Brussels and the Brussels Region. The beer sector is also taking part, but another major investor is needed.

It is not certaom that the City of Brussels will ultimately back the project. Other rumours abound about a museum for modern art.  Brussels Mayor Freddy Thielemans says that “different options are open” but that “there will be clarity in 2 to 3 weeks”.