The Bronze Company and the "Made in Brussels" exhibition

We begin by exploring the site of the former Compagnie des Bronzes (1854-1979), a metallurgical company specialized in the production of monumental statues, lighting fixtures, and decorative bronze objects. This art foundry located near the canal symbolizes the economic and industrial growth of Brussels in the 19th century, until the aftermath of the Second World War. Established in one of the most industrialized neighborhoods of the country for about a hundred years, it contributed to the development of this neighborhood nicknamed the Petit Manchester. It distributed its products to all continents. Today made up of ruins and restored buildings, green spaces and stored machinery; the site of this former foundry allows a complete and precise reading of the organization of a factory. During the second part of the visit, we tour the Made in Brussels exhibition. Housed in a former hall typical of industrial architecture, this exhibition is both unusual and fascinating. It tells the daily life at the time of the major Brussels industries using machines, tools, and objects through four sections – wood, metal, textile manufacturing, and food. A history and society museum, la Fonderie offers a unique perspective on the socio-economic evolution of the city as well as on technological inventions, contexts, and gestures of daily life, from the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century until today, after deindustrialization.