Bois-du-Luc. Museum for Mining and Sustainable Development

A unique mining village in Europe, recognized as UNESCO World Heritage

Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2012, the Bois-du-Luc is an exceptional testimony to the industrial era because of its authenticity and its heritage legacy. An eloquent illustration of the impact of industrialization at the technical, landscape, architectural and social levels.

It is located in the heart of the Central basin and is characterized by its mining village (built between 1838 and 1923) preserved in its entirety from its industrial buildings to its school through the hospice, the kiosk, the workers’ houses and the church. Let yourself be captivated by this unique authenticity in Europe: a fascinating microcosm, tinged with stories. You will discover all the wheels of a colliery with exceptional longevity (1685-1973), the daily life, the struggles and the career of workers from all over the world.

You will be touched by the peculiarities of the life of Bois-du-Luc, his paternalistic policy framing the worker and his family in a subtle game of balance between profitability and social control …

Your desire to escape will also be satisfied by the climb of woody heaps, offering a breathtaking view of the landscapes “Made in Industry”.

OGroups

Our enthusiastic and passionate guides let you discover the daily life of the miners during a 2 hours visit including a walk in the Saint-Emmanuel mine shaft, a visit to the model home, the mine’s offices and the above-ground workshops.

Enjoy a full day in the Center area by choosing a subsequent visit to one of the following tourist sites: the old hydraulic boat lifts on the Center Canal, the castle of Seneffe, the International Carnival and Mask Museum in Binche, the Royal Museum of Mariemont or in one of the three other major Walloon mining sites (Grand-Hornu, Bois du Cazier, Blegny Mine). The Saint-Feuillien brewery, another partner, is also worth a visit.

Do not hesitate to contact us for more information.

JSchools

Take a dive into the universe of the movie “Germinal” and discover together with the students a complete and authentic mining site. Due to the exemplary state of preservation, it is a first-class pedagogical reflection and development space. Your day will be filled in by the educational team with both fun and educational interactive animations. All information can be found in the pedagogical files that you can download on our website and on enseignement.be. (Bois-du-Luc is a reference site regarding school programs).

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