Grand-Hornu
Museum type :
Archaeology and History Museum

Established in :
1810-1830

Holidays :
Tuesday

Visiting Hours :
Monday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday,10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Contact No :
+32 65 40 32 32

Location :
Boussu , Belgium

Display Objects :

Grand-Hornu is a former coal mining community located in the province of Hainaut, Belgium. It was founded in 1810 to exploit the vast coal reserves located in the surrounding area. The mining complex was designed by the famous French architect Henri Deglane and is considered to be one of the most important industrial sites of the 19th century.




Description :

Grand-Hornu is an exemplary example of the industrialization of Europe at the beginning of the 19th century. The coal mines and factories were built in a rational and efficient manner, and the site is marked by its unique urban planning. The main buildings were built in a U-shape and were connected to each other by wide alleys, creating a system of streets and squares. The main entrance is located on the south side, and the administrative and residential buildings are located on the north side. The coal mines at Grand-Hornu were highly productive and employed thousands of workers, who lived in the company-built housing blocks. The complex was also home to a wide variety of social and cultural activities. The miners had their own theater, and there was a music school, library, and a cinema. The mines and factories at Grand-Hornu experienced a period of decline in the late 20th century, and the site was abandoned in 1993. In 1996, Grand-Hornu was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its importance as a testimony to the industrial revolution. Today, Grand-Hornu is a cultural center, welcoming thousands of visitors each year. The site offers a wide range of activities, ranging from guided tours to cultural events and exhibitions. The site is also home to the Musée des Arts Contemporains (Museum of Contemporary Arts), which hosts a variety of temporary and permanent exhibitions. Grand-Hornu is a unique testimony to the industrial revolution and its impact on society. The site offers an insight into the history of coal mining, industrialization, and urban planning, and stands as an important symbol of Belgium’s past.