Brussels (The Brussels Morning newspaper): The Brussels Bourse reopened in September 2023, attracting 1.3 million visitors, while the Belgian Beer World museum underperformed with 150,000 visitors.
The Brussels Bourse building was built in 1873 by architect LĂ©on-Pierre Suys when Brussels became a Paris-style makeover after the June Revolution of 1848. The building showed Belgium’s economic growth but stopped being a trading place. Traders left in 2015, and it was empty until 2023. After fixing it up, the stock exchange building reopened in September 2023. This place is known for its rich heritage, culture, and history. In the first year since reopening, 1.3 million people from Brussels and all over Belgium visited the place.
Is Belgian Beer World Failing to Attract Visitors?
The new Belgian Beer World museum at the renovated stock exchange did not meet expectations. The mayor wanted 360,000 visitors a year, but only 150,000 came. Dirk Lubbers, the new boss at the Bourse who made the Heineken Experience in Amsterdam, stays positive. He believes it will take time to get everything going but thinks they’re heading in the right direction.
The Belgian Beer World museum ended up costing €90 million instead of the expected €15 million, causing criticism due to the high construction expenses. Some people are upset because of the Belgian. The new Belgian Beer World museum in the renovated stock exchange didn’t meet the expectations.