La Fonderie: Guided Tour of Brussels' Industrial Heritage

La Fonderie invites you to discover the (post-)industrial past of the Brussels region. The visit begins with an exploration of the site of the former Compagnie des Bronzes (1854–1979), a metallurgical company that specialized in the production of monumental statues, lighting fixtures, and decorative bronze objects. This art foundry, located next to the canal, stood in one of the most industrialized neighbourhoods of Belgium, nicknamed “Little Manchester, and served as a symbol of Brussels' economic and industrial growth from the early 19th century through to the post–World War II era.

Today, composed of ruins and restored buildings, green spaces, and preserved machinery, the site of the Compagnie des Bronzes offers a detailed and immersive insight into how a factory was organized.

In the second part of the visit, we explore the Made in Brussels exhibition. Housed in a former industrial hall typical of the era's architecture, the exhibition is both unusual and fascinating. Through machines, tools, and daily objects, it tells the story of everyday life during the heyday of Brussels' major industries, across four thematic sections: wood, metal, textile manufacturing, and food production.

As a museum of history and society, La Fonderie offers a unique perspective on the city's socio-economic evolution, as well as on technological innovations, historical contexts, and daily practices — from the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century to the present day, in the wake of deindustrialization.