Steenkoolmijn Winterslag, Cultural center and former coal mine in Genk, Belgium.
Steenkoolmijn Winterslag is a former coal mine in Genk featuring preserved mining structures including shaft towers, reception buildings, a compressor house, and ventilation facilities spread across the site. These different elements show how the operation once functioned as an industrial complex.
The site began operations in 1912 when the Winterslag concession separated from Genk-Zutendaal, marking the start of coal extraction in the Limburg basin. This development made Genk a major mining center in the region.
Today the site houses art schools, ceramic studios, and exhibition spaces where local creative professionals work and share their craft. These transformed industrial buildings shape the cultural life of Genk and demonstrate how industrial heritage can gain new meaning for the community.
Visitors can explore underground passages through guided tours and view the preserved industrial structures from elevated vantage points. The best time to visit depends on the weather, as many areas are outdoors.
The site features a steel corridor that stretches over a kilometer with a maze-like design, allowing visitors to view the historical mining architecture from multiple angles. This modern pathway creates a striking contrast with the older industrial structures surrounding it.
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