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Museum · Boom, Antwerp
Ecomuseum and Archives of the Boom Brickmaking Region
Open‑air museum about brickmaking in the Rupel region, set in a former brickworks in Boom, with kilns, drying sheds and the industry archive.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Ecomuseum and Archives of the Boom Brickmaking Region
Boom clay, which surfaces along the Rupel River, was quarried since the Middle Ages to make bricks and tiles. In the 20th century dozens of brickworks operated in the area, and the bricks were transported by boat along the river to towns across Belgium and other countries.
The Ecomuseum en Archief van de Boomse Baksteen preserves this history in a former brickworks in Boom, in the Noeveren neighbourhood. The route shows kilns, drying sheds, tools and machinery, and explains the work of the labourers who for generations lived from the brickworks.
The archive gathers documents, photographs and testimonies about the brickworks and the Rupel communities. Guided visits and walks through the industrial landscape complement the visit.
The museum helps to understand the origin of De Schorre domain and the other lake-and-woodland areas in the region that opened where clay was once extracted.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About one and a half hours.
Best time
The museum opens on specific days and seasons; confirm opening hours and guided tours before you go.
How to get there
In the Noeveren neighbourhood, west of Boom centre, beside the Rupel; by car or bicycle, or on foot from the centre.
Tip
Combine the visit with a walk along the Rupel dike, where you can still see chimneys of former brickworks.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Ecomuseum and Archives of the Boom Brickmaking Region
What is the Ecomuseum van de Boomse Baksteen?
A museum about brickmaking in the Rupel region, set in a former brickworks in Boom.
Why is Boom associated with bricks?
Boom clay was quarried for centuries, and dozens of brickworks operated along the Rupel.
Where is the Ecomuseum located?
In the Noeveren neighbourhood of Boom, beside the Rupel River.