De Hoorn opens its doors during Open Monument Day
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Discover how the very first Stella was brewed here 100 years ago and how the former brewery has been given a new purpose.
- When: Sunday, 13 September 2026
- Guided tour (approximately 50 minutes): a tour starts every 20 minutes
- Beer experience: learn how to pour and taste the perfect Stella. Workshops at 2:00 pm, 3:30 pm and 5:00 pm (max. 60 minutes)
- Where: Sluisstraat 79, 3000 Leuven
- Price: Free
- Registration: Required. Registration opens on Monday, 17 August 2026, at 10:00 am.
Located along the Vaartkom, De Hoorn is one of Leuven’s best-known industrial buildings and the birthplace of Stella Artois. In 1923, Artois Brewery opened the country’s most modern brewery here to produce bottom-fermented beer, which was still relatively rare in Belgium at the time. At the end of 1925, the first test brews flowed from the copper brewing kettles. The new beer was named Stella – Latin for ‘star’. Exactly 100 years ago, it was launched on the market as a premium pilsner. That deserves a celebration!
In the 1980s, the brewery moved elsewhere, but the impressive brewhouse was not allowed to disappear. A group of Leuven entrepreneurs breathed new life into the building. Today, it is home to hospitality venues and creative businesses. You can rent office space or event rooms, and there are even several lofts. The iconic copper brewing kettles still bear witness to its rich brewing heritage.
🏢 De Hoorn guided tour: from brewery to hotspot
Discover the birthplace of Stella Artois during a guided tour of the former brewery, led by an experienced city guide. Learn more about its history, restoration and the unique place De Hoorn holds in Leuven’s heritage.
👉 Register for the guided tour: https://www.leuven.be/van-brouwerij-tot-hotspot
🍺 De Hoorn beer experience
Looking for a more interactive beer experience? During this unique beer session, beer sommelier and former AB InBev trainer Rudy Beckers will teach you how to pour the perfect Stella and how to taste it like a true connoisseur. Rudy has years of experience as a beer sommelier and trainer and has coached several world champions in the Belgian Stella Artois Draught Masters Championship. 🍺
👉 Register for the beer experience: https://www.leuven.be/bieranimatie
Want to discover even more of Leuven’s heritage during Open Monument Day?
Combine your visit to De Hoorn and School 6 with other fascinating heritage sites throughout the city. Discover the full overview of participating locations in Leuven at: www.leuven.be/openmonumentendag
A day filled with heritage, stories, beer and Leuven pride. ❤️