The brickworks museum ‘Steenbakkerijmuseum 't Geleeg’ offers an authentic image of the industrial history in the Rupel region and houses the most representative artefacts on a large domain in a bend of the Rupel river.
The industrial heritage site is managed by a small association run by a small group of enthusiastic volunteers. They keep and safeguard the intrinsic values of the heritage site, interpret and open it to the public, offering all kind of heritage related activities. Special attention is now paid to improved the presentation of the many artefacts. One is developing a more extensive museum context in the buildings (the Hoffmann and the other kilns, the drying sheds for bricks and tiles, the horse stables, machine hall, master’s house, etc.) and to enhance the industrial artifacts (various engines and a rich collection of original tools for shaping the bricks). Thus one aims at realizing an the ambitious master plan to create a full-fledged museum environment, as well for the inhabitants of Boom as for those visiting the region.
Keeping the artisan crafts alive, is also highly respected. During guided tours and heritage events, various crafts are presented. Demonstrations during tours give a good idea of the labour-intensive process of brick and tilemaking. Ceramic festivals on the site not only attract local residents but also amateurs from far beyond the Rupel region, to visit and see these unique crafts in their natural environment, and sell or buy the products.