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Museum · Hasselt, Limburg
Nationaal Jenevermuseum
The jenever museum in a 19th-century distillery with steam boilers that still operate, housed in a former 17th-century convent farm.
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 Nationaal Jenevermuseum
The Nationaal Jenevermuseum occupies a former 17th-century convent farm on Witte Nonnenstraat, the street of the white nuns, who had their convent opposite. After the French occupation the convent's assets were sold, and around 1803 the farm became a jenever distillery, which operated until the 20th century.
In 1975 the complex was protected as Belgium's first industrial archaeology monument. The city council bought the building in 1979, restoration took place from 1983 to 1987, and the museum opened on 16 September 1987. It is today the most visited of Hasselt's three municipal museums.
The heart of the visit is the distillation room, with a complete 19th-century steam distillery, listed. It still produces grain jenevers and liqueurs using historic recipes. Other rooms show the history of the drink, from medieval alchemies to industrial production, as well as bottles, labels and vintage advertising.
The visit usually ends in the museum bar, with the chance to taste jenever. The museum's recommendation is to appreciate the drink slowly, in small quantities.
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
From 1 to 1.5 hours, including the tasting.
Best time
In the afternoon, after the cathedral and the Grote Markt. Check opening days and hours before you go.
How to get there
It's on Witte Nonnenstraat, about a 5-minute walk from the Grote Markt and roughly 20 minutes from the station.
Tip
If you plan to taste the jenever, choose small servings and don't drive afterwards. Non-drinkers can enjoy the visit just the same: the steam distillery is the main attraction.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Nationaal Jenevermuseum
What is special about the museum?
The 19th‑century steam distillery, complete and listed, which still produces jenever and liqueurs using old recipes. The building was the first industrial‑archaeology monument to be protected in Belgium, in 1975.
Can you taste the jenever?
Yes, the visit usually ends with a tasting at the museum bar. Non‑drinkers can skip that part without missing the visit.
Is jenever the same as gin?
Not exactly. Jenever is distilled from grains and flavored with juniper, and is considered the predecessor of gin. It has a more malty flavour.
How much time should you allow?
About 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, including the tasting.