The Cellars (until October 2012 they have been tagged as The Cureghem Cellars, referring to the Brussels' district Cureghem) are situated on the site of the former Anderlecht cattle market dating from 1890. This covered market is a typical example of forged-iron architecture which became fashionable after the 1850 World Exhibition in London.
Since its inauguration by Leopold II in 1892, the cellars served purely as foundations for the metal structure above. The ground in those days was particularly marshy and barrel vaults were needed as supports.
In the 1930s was there a vain attempt to find a more profitable use for the cellars. This dark damp underground space was an ideal place for growing mushrooms, an activity which continued into the post-war years until it became uneconomic. The market hall was finally listed as a Belgian national monument in 1984.
Since their re-launch in 1992 as an events venue, the Cellars have achieved much greater success. They are still underground, but no longer dark & damp! The private company Abattoir nv-sa invested almost €4 million in a complete transformation which included a concrete floor, new entrances, electricity, heating, lighting, plumbing & safety equipment.
In the early 1990's, the Cellars were chosen as the venue for ‘Körperwelten’, Jürgen Von Hagen’s controversial & record-breaking exhibition of the human body. Over 500.000 visitors passed through the Cellars to see it.
Since then they have carved out an important niche for themselves on the Brussels events’ scene and have hosted numerous association & corporate clients.
This unique venue, with its impressive succession of pillars & vaults, adds an extra dimension to any gala occasion or event. It also makes a vital contribution to the Cureghem neighbourhood, so close to Brussels, Brussels South Station, Thalys and Eurostar.