Belgian Chocolate Village, Museum in Belgium

The Belgian Chocolate Village occupies part of the former Victoria biscuit factory on De Neckstraat in Koekelberg, a long brick building with pale stone bands and tall windows. Inside, the museum explains where cocoa beans come from and how they are processed into chocolate, with an interactive display on Belgian chocolate from the 19th century to today. A workshop lets visitors make their own chocolate flavour under the guidance of professional chocolatiers, and the first-floor tasting salon sits in the former management offices, which are in typical Horta style.

The municipality of Koekelberg bought part of the old Victoria biscuit factory on De Neckstraat in 2005. That biscuit factory had been founded in the late 19th century by Emile Bossaert, who later became mayor of Koekelberg. In 1908 Victoria opened a chocolate factory across the street; it closed in 1970 and now houses the Godiva plant. The museum was fitted out in April 2013 and officially opened in autumn 2013.

The museum occupies part of the former Victoria biscuit factory, founded in the late 19th century by Emile Bossaert, who later became mayor of Koekelberg. On the first floor, the tasting salon sits in the former management offices, which are in typical Horta style. Visitors can make their own chocolate flavour in a workshop led by professional chocolatiers.

The museum occupies part of the former Victoria biscuit factory on De Neckstraat in Koekelberg, a short walk from Simonis metro and tram stop. The tasting salon is on the first floor, in the former management offices, so allow time to go up after the exhibition rooms. The municipality bought the building in 2005 and the museum opened in autumn 2013.

The museum features a collection of life-size chocolate sculptures depicting Brussels landmarks created by skilled chocolatiers. These artistic works demonstrate how flexible and expressive chocolate can be as a medium.