After years of extensive work, La Bourse in Brussels is set to reopen its doors to locals and tourists alike on Saturday 9th September 2023. La Bourse, an iconic landmark, now offers 12,000 square meters of newly renovated space accessible to the public.
- 08 September 2023
EU investments facilitate innovation.
The restoration of La Bourse, started in 2019, was a collaborative effort involving various levels of support: the City of Brussels, the Brussels-Capital Region, the Federal Government , and the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) as part of the European recovery plan NextGenerationEU.
With substantial support of 18 million euros, the European Union is a key partner in the renovation. This support reflects the commitment to preserving this emblematic cultural and architectural heritage of Belgium while fostering environmental preservation and sustainable economic growth.
These funds have been invested to enhance energy efficiency, promote entrepreneurship, and stimulate the development of small and medium-sized enterprises.
A transformative project for Brussels
The aim of this project is to transform La Bourse into a public and civic space, with the majority of it freely accessible to the public. The central hall of the building serves as an access road connecting the Brussels Pedestrian Zone and the Grand Place, providing a new passage for the people of Brussels.
Constructed between 1868 and 1873 by the visionary architect Léon-Pierre Suys, La Bourse was intended to embellish an expanding capital city. Few Brussels residents have explored its halls and corridors, as La Bourse gradually closed itself off. With this reopening, the City has transformed it into a new meeting place for the people.
The economic activity within the building resides primarily on the upper floors, where Belgian Beer World is located. This interactive museum narrates the history of brewing art in Belgium, chronicling the story of Belgian beer from the Middle Ages to the present, encompassing revolutions, wars, and the rich diversity surrounding Belgian beer. Over a hundred Belgian brewers have contributed to Belgian Beer World, showcasing their globally recognized brewing expertise to the public.