De Baer Brewery

A heritage industrial landmark with a rich brewing legacy.
Sint-Niklaas

A building under construction with extensive wooden scaffolding surrounding it, next to an older building.
Black and white photo of an old industrial boiler room with piping, gauges, and a large window.

Founded in 1839 by brewer Pieter De Baer, the former De Baer Brewery is an important piece of Belgium's industrial heritage. Over the years, the brewery expanded and modernised, evolving into a significant production site while retaining many of its original architectural and technical features.

The remaining buildings date primarily from the late 19th and early 20th centuries and showcase robust industrial architecture in brick, characterised by clean façades, generous volumes and functional design. The striking five-storey former malt house, built in the first half of the 20th century, still reflects the scale and ambition of the brewery's industrial operations.

The historic silos of the former De Baer Brewery in Sint-Niklaas, reflecting the site’s distinctive industrial architecture and brewing heritage.
The authentic interior of the former De Baer Brewery in Sint-Niklaas, reflecting the site’s distinctive industrial architecture and brewing heritage.
Black and white photo of a multi-story building on a city street with parked cars, and a sign in French that says 'Drugs Store de Dube'.
Historic building in the courtyard of the former De Baer Brewery in Sint-Niklaas, showcasing the site’s authentic industrial architecture.

Inside, several authentic brewing and grain-processing elements have been preserved, including original 1930s machinery, a 45-hectolitre copper brewing kettle, historic grain silos and the remains of the original malt kiln with its iconic chimney. Together, these elements offer a rare glimpse into Belgium's brewing history.

Although parts of the original brewery complex; including the former residence and grain storage building, have since been demolished, the site continues to embody the character and craftsmanship of a remarkable industrial past, making it a distinctive location with exceptional heritage value.

The entrance hall leading to the offices inside the former De Baer Brewery in Sint-Niklaas, combining authentic industrial character with functional workspaces.
The interior of the former offices at De Baer Brewery in Sint-Niklaas, preserving the authentic character and traces of the building’s industrial past.

Atelier of Belgian artist

Francis Leenaerts

A Creative Future, Already in Motion

A man with curly hair and a beard, wearing a black T-shirt and beige pants, sitting on a metallic stool in an industrial, unfinished space with concrete walls, a large industrial kettle, and a staircase.

Today, the former brewery has become a temporary home for creativity. Belgian artist Francis Leenaerts has established his atelier within the historic industrial complex, transforming the once-abandoned spaces into an inspiring environment where art, heritage and architecture meet.

The building's monumental volumes, authentic machinery and untouched industrial character provide a backdrop that is impossible to replicate; making the space as much a part of the creative process as the artworks themselves.

The studio of artist Francis Leenaert at the former De Baer Brewery in Sint-Niklaas, where contemporary art meets authentic industrial heritage.
The gallery of artist Francis Leenaert at the former De Baer Brewery in Sint-Niklaas, presenting contemporary art within an authentic industrial setting.
Contemporary art displayed in Francis Leenaert’s gallery at the former De Baer Brewery in Sint-Niklaas.

Interested in joining the space?
Get in touch with Wave to explore the possibilities.

NExt chapter

Colorful modern building with yellow, pink, and gray sections, large windows, people walking and riding bikes on the street, a car parked, and a person walking in the background.

A thoughtful redevelopment will transform Brewery De Baer into a vibrant mixed-use destination, where carefully designed homes, workspaces and commercial functions coexist within the historic brewery walls.

By respecting the existing structures and integrating contemporary architecture with the site's authentic fabric, the redevelopment ensures that Brewery De Baer remains a landmark for generations to come.

A community courtyard with a curved bench where three people are sitting, surrounded by lush green trees and bushes. Children are playing near an archway in a modern brick building with multiple windows and a covered passageway. A small dog is lying on the ground, and a woman is sitting on the bench reading.
View from a balcony overlooking a courtyard with modern brick and yellow buildings, some people walking and talking, hot air balloons in the sky.
Artist rendering of a modern corner building with a curved facade on a city street. Pedestrians and cars are visible.