WIELS, Contemporary art gallery in Forest, Belgium
WIELS is a contemporary arts center in Forest located within a former industrial building that has been adapted for gallery use. The space features large exhibition areas with high ceilings and retains original architectural elements including copper brewing equipment throughout.
The building was constructed in 1931 as a brewery and once served as one of continental Europe's largest brewing facilities. It was transformed into an arts center in 2007 after being designated as a protected monument in 1993.
The name WIELS comes from the former brewery that still leaves visible traces throughout the space's design. Visitors experience contemporary art displayed alongside preserved industrial elements that give the venue its distinctive character.
The center is accessible and offers different ways to explore the space depending on how much time visitors have available. A bookshop is on-site, and events and workshops happen regularly throughout the year based on the exhibition schedule.
The building once produced nearly all the beer consumed in Brussels before becoming an arts venue. This past remains visible to visitors as industrial structures and machinery are integrated into the gallery design.
Location: Forest - Vorst
Inception: July 8, 2002
Official opening: May 25, 2007
Accessibility: Wheelchair limited access
Fee: Yes
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 11:00-18:00
Website: http://wiels.org
GPS coordinates: 50.82438,4.32594
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:44
Brussels combines baroque guild houses, neo-Gothic churches, and modern architecture. The Grand Place forms the historic center with its cobblestone square and gilded facades. The Atomium from 1958 stands in the northern part of the city, displaying the structure of a magnified iron crystal. Saint Michael and Gudula Cathedral preserves Gothic stained glass and wood carvings from the 13th century. The city holds numerous collections of European painting at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts and the Magritte Museum. The Palais de Justice sits on a hill overlooking the city, while the Royal Palace serves as the official residence of the Belgian monarchy. Parks such as Bois de la Cambre and Cinquantenaire Park offer open spaces between city districts. The Belgian Comic Strip Center and the Horta Museum document Belgian contributions to illustration and Art Nouveau design.
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