Porte de Hal, the historic building located between South Station and Place Louise, is getting a makeover. 'Porte de Hal 2.0' was unveiled on Monday and will be home to a museum of intangible heritage and Brussels folklore.
The iconic fortress has had many functions since it was constructed in the fourteenth century. Once a prison, then an archive and now a museum, city officials have spent the best part of two years wondering what the future holds for Porte de Hal.
Following a lengthy process that consisted in public enquiries, expert opinions and calls for tenders, a decision has been made: Porte de Hal will house a museum dedicated to the city's intangible heritage and folklore.
"Intangible heritage is everything you can't do in a museum: play, dance, drink and eat," State Secretary for Science Policy Thomas Dermine (PS) stated.
"Thanks to this initiative, this historic and symbolic site in Brussels will be reinvented while retaining its heritage status," commented Minister-President for the Brussels-Capital Region Rudi Vervoort (PS).
"Given the tense social situation in the area around Porte de Hal, this is an opportunity for this institution to [...] reimagine itself as an important place of social cohesion and conviviality for the people of Brussels," Vervoort continued.
Legends come to life
Geared primarily towards families and children, both permanent exhibitions and temporary exhibitions of national collections will focus on traditions such as the Meyboom, an annual procession that involves a large tree, and the UNESCO-recognised parade Ommegang.
Francis Fontaine, Grand maitre of the order of the Kuulkappers of Saint-Gilles, Saint-Gilles Mayor Jean Spinette and Jacques Clabots, Great fortuneteller of the order of the Kuulkappers of Saint-Gilles on Monday 29 April 2024 in Brussels. Credit: Belga / Morgane Berger
Collections will incorporate technology to explore Medieval Brussels in new ways. Exhibitions aim to illustrate popular culture in Brussels as well as what life looked like in Porte de Hal's immediate surroundings. Visitors will also be able to avail of 360-degree views of the city from atop the old fortification.
Lancement de Porte de Hal 2.0. 🏰 Ce bâtiment historique sera le gardien de l’histoire de la Ville. Il sera le lieu où le folklore, les traditions et les légendes prendront vie pour être transmises aux générations futures. La Belgique n’a pas de pétrole mais elle a son folklore ! pic.twitter.com/RLxL2MQuqw
— Delphine Houba (@DelphineHouba) April 29, 2024
Translation: Launch of Porte de Hal 2.0. 🏰 This historic building will be the guardian of the City's history. It will be the place where folklore, traditions and legends will come to life to be passed on to future generations. Belgium may not have oil but it does have folklore!
There is already a museum that showcases Medieval artefacts operating from the building, which is currently under renovation but remains open to visitors. The final proposal for 'Porte de Hal 2.0' is expected to be presented at the end of 2024 and no official opening date has been specified. A boutique shop and traditional Belgian café are also in the pipeline.
