Halle Gate in Brussels to be revamped into interactive museum

The Halle Gate Museum in Brussels will be turned into an interactive museum that showcases Brussels' intangible heritage.

The building, a former medieval city gate and a last vestige of the second surrounding wall of Brussels, is more than 600 years old. But the landmark, and its permanent exhibition on Brussels’ medieval past, is not attracting much interest. To restore its reputation, a number of organisations have signed the Hallepoort 2.0 cooperation agreement.

In the revamped museum, visitors will be able to taste a gueuze beer or experience a traditional folklore event, such as the planting of the Meyboom tree, through a video installation. Federal state secretary for Science Policy Thomas Dermine told BRUZZ that it should be a “place that lives, dances, drinks and eats, because that is the wealth of Brussels”. ​

The current collection on the Middle Ages and Renaissance in Brussels will be retained but will be presented in a more lively manner. “This building is a place full of history, but we want to give it a new soul,” said Brussels councillor responsible for culture and tourism Delphine Houba. “It will be a gateway to our folklore.”

The revamped museum will also feature a café and shop. The timing of the works and of the opening is not yet known. An architectural feasibility study is under way.

The agreement was signed by the federal government, the City of Brussels, the Brussels-Capital Region, the Royal Museums of Art and History and the non-profit association Paleis van Keizer Karel, which manages the Coudenberg Palace in Brussels and will co-run the renovated Museum.

^{The Halle Gate in Brussels © BELGA PHOTO THIERRY ROGE}