Belgian Beer World free to Brussels residents for two weeks

Belgian Beer World - Brussels’ newest big attraction located in the building that once housed the Brussels Stock Exchange - will be free from 12-25 November for all residents of the Brussels region.

All that is needed is an identity card proving residence in the capital to guarantee one visit in the two-week time period, Brussels city council announced.

Belgian Beer World – open Tuesday to Sunday 10.00 to 18.00 – provides an immersive experience that delves into Belgian beer history, including how beer is brewed, "what goes through a brewer’s mind" and a special experiment to reveal what beer is best for you.

The temporary free access to this major tourist draw will encourage residents to (re)discover their local culture, Brussels city hall said.

Belgium boasts more brands of beer than any other country in the world. In addition, Belgian beer culture has Unesco intangible cultural heritage status.

Entry to the beer mecca also includes entry to the recently renovated Bruxella 1238 museum next door to the Bourse.

The archaeological site houses the remnants of a 13th century Franciscan convent, founded in 1238 – hence the name – and the grave of Duke John I of Brabant.

Objects and graves discovered by archaeologists during the 1988-2022 excavations have been displayed in a new exhibition.

The convent endured the European religious wars and the 1695 bombardment of Brussels by Louis XIV’s troops.

Declared national property by the late 18th century, it was later dismantled to construct the Stock Exchange building after relocating from the Place du Marché au Beurre.

The remnants have been preserved, giving an insight into an unknown side of the history of Brussels and at the same time providing a good idea of the different aspects of an archaeological dig.