Aperçu

Brasseries Atlas stands as an important witness to Brussels' rich industrial and brewing past, perpetuating a flourishing activity in this Anderlecht district. Archival research has revealed that the complex's first brewing house was built in 1912. It was known as Brasserie Saint-Guidon. In 1924, stables, offices and bottling and rinsing rooms were added, while the most striking building, the brewing tower, was not built until 1926, to plans by the architect Installé. In a bold Art Deco industrial style, it allowed beer to be brewed using the Nathan system, imported from Switzerland, in a "grand cascade", with each floor of the building housing a stage in the malt production process, from top to bottom, ending with beer storage in the cellars. The inscription "Brasseries Atlas" still appears on a wall on Rue du Libre Examen, in white brick within a red brick wall. Brewing operations ceased in 1952. In 1989, the complex was bought by the "Communauté de la Poudrière - Emmaüs", which converted the site. In 2016, the buildings were purchased by B&R Development, which then set up a temporary occupancy lease that is still in force. The renovation of the site is planned for 2026. ATLAS OF ATLAS is a multi-faceted investigation into the successive histories of the Grandes Brasseries Atlas between 1900 and 2025. In the form of an in situ exhibition (in the Brasseries) and a book (in progress), this project aims to make the varied pasts of these incredible places accessible to all. It compiles archives (newspaper extracts, plans from the national archives and Municipality of Anderlecht funds, derived objects, photos, videos, etc.), historical studies (Guido Vanderhulst - Brussel Fabriques), architectural studies (Marianne de Fossé, François Marichal, Miquel Camacho - Master's in Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage and Mister Emma - ArchiUrbain TV show), extracts from private collections (Thierry Van Linthoudt, Brasseries Bruxelloises collector), community discussions (an interview with Father Léon, founder of the Communauté de la Poudrière - Emmaüs, by Guido Vanderhulst), documentation from art exhibitions (between 2003 and 2006 by the associations Artefakt and Kimera, then between 2016 and 2025 by the current occupants) and contemporary in situ creations. The Grandes Brasseries Atlas can be visited without reservation. In the courtyard, you will find the Atlas Bazaar, with its flea market and handicrafts. Reservations are essential for guided tours of the Tower. It is not accessible to children under 12, and the guided tour is not recommended for people with mobility problems or those prone to vertigo. with Emile Barret/Brasseries Atlas (FR) and Marianne De Fossé/Korei Guided Tours (NL/EN). The exhibition is in French and English. People live and work on site. Please do not photograph them without their consent, do not enter areas not accessible to the public, and take care of the premises.

Practical information

Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00

rue du Libre Examen 15, 1070 Anderlecht

Accessible sans réservation. Réservation indispensable pour les visites guidées.

Non accessible

Bookings

Fully booked.

Address
rue du Libre Examen 15, 1070 Anderlecht