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.
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