Grand Hornu, Former coal mining complex in Boussu, Belgium.
Grand Hornu consists of well-preserved 19th-century industrial buildings featuring robust stone and brick construction with original machinery and equipment still intact within the complex.
Established in the early 19th century by Henri De Gorge, the site operated as a major coal mining facility until 1954 and received the first railway connection in Wallonia in 1830.
Since 1991, the site houses the Museum of Contemporary Arts (MACS) which organizes approximately ten temporary exhibitions annually, combining industrial heritage with modern artistic expression.
The complex offers guided tours, educational programs, underground tunnel exploration, a documentation center, bookstore, restaurant, and summer terrace for visitors throughout the year.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site represents one of Europe's most complete examples of 19th-century industrial architecture while simultaneously functioning as an active contemporary art venue.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
