Timmermans' Lambicus Experience Center opens on 3 June 2026
- Guild Secretary
- 18 minutes ago
- 3 min read
On Tuesday, the Lambicus Experience Center at Timmermans, the world's oldest lambic brewery, was officially inaugurated in the presence of Ben Weyts, Vice-Minister-President of the Government of Flanders and Flemish Minister for Budget and Finance, the Flemish Periphery, Heritage, and Animal Welfare; Tom Dehaene, Deputy of the Province of Flemish Brabant; and Stijn Quaghebeur, Mayor of Dilbeek. This visitor experience centre brings the history, craftsmanship, and distinctive character of Timmermans to life in an interactive and technologically innovative way. From 1 June, visitors will be able to discover how lambic is made, why spontaneous fermentation is so exceptional, and the role Timmermans has played in the story of this remarkable beer since 1702.
After twelve months of renovation work, the historic brewery site in Itterbeek is once again fully accessible to visitors. The renovated bar had already reopened earlier; with the Lambicus Experience Center, the second and final phase of the renovation has now been completed. The result is a playful, innovative, and child-friendly experience that combines tradition and technology.
“With the opening of the Lambicus Experience Center, we are realising an ambition that has been close to our hearts for years: to preserve and strengthen this exceptional place, while opening it up to the world. Timmermans is not a museum where time stands still, but a living brewery where heritage, innovation, and hospitality are combined. We wanted to create an experience centre unlike any other: a place where visitors not only learn about lambic, but above all, feel why this beer is so unique. Being able to showcase this today is a particularly important milestone for us,” emphasises Antony R. Martin, CEO of the Anthony Martin Group.
The Lambicus Experience Center has been designed as a self-guided experience: an interactive adventure for young and old that invites visitors to explore the brewery at their own pace. Thanks to a mobile tool, every step comes to life. By scanning objects along the way, visitors receive interactive content directly on their smartphones. Three avatars guide them through the brewery's iconic spaces, from the brewhouse to the impressive foeder room. Along the way, they discover the secrets of lambic and the unique story of Timmermans.
With the new experience centre, that story now has an accessible, contemporary home in Itterbeek, close to Brussels. The renovation was carried out with the support of Visit Flanders and respects the site's listed status.
An asset for Dilbeek and the Pajottenland
Timmermans Brewery was founded in 1702 and is the world's oldest lambic brewery still in operation. Brewing still takes place in an authentic historic setting. Features such as the 19th-century grain crusher and the impressive coolship help define the site's distinctive character. The brewery is recognised as a protected historic monument and is a fine example of living brewing heritage: during the winter months, brewing is still actively carried out on site.
“The Lambicus Experience Center at Timmermans introduces visitors to this rich brewing heritage in an innovative and contemporary way,” says Leen Gysen, CEO of Visit Flanders. “In an accessible and welcoming environment, lambic culture truly comes to life, with particular attention to craftsmanship, experience, and connection.”
Stijn Quaghebeur, Mayor of Dilbeek, adds: “The opening of the Lambicus Experience Center not only strengthens the brewery's position as an icon of lambic culture. The new centre is also a major tourist asset for Dilbeek and the Pajottenland. Lambic and gueuze are known worldwide, but remain inseparably linked to their region of origin.”
Full renovation completed
The renovation of the site took place in two phases. In the first phase, the historic taproom was renovated and reopened to the public. Since then, the bar has become a warm meeting place where visitors can taste Timmermans beers, innovative lambic variants, and other beers from the Anthony Martin Group.
With the opening of the Lambicus Experience Center, the final phase has now also been completed. The site is therefore once again fully accessible to visitors, including wheelchair users. The renovation combines respect for the listed character of the buildings with contemporary techniques, interactive elements, and a welcoming visitor experience.
Practical Information
Opening hours
Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Visits and reservations
Guided visits and group reservations via visits@brtimmermans.be
For more information:
Sarah Pirlot, Brand Manager
T. +32 (0)2 655 62 31