When beer was still actually brewed there
The brewery-malthouse Christiaen, among the largest sources of employment in Koekelare, originally dates from the 1790s. The industrial complex Christiaen received its current look, dominated by the malting tower and the slender chimney, around 1878. Beer was brewed here until 1968.
The brewery Christiaen was purchased by the town in 1985 and fully renovated. In September 1993, the council received the award VLAAMS MONUMENT or FLEMISH MONUMENT for this successful renovation.
Art lurks just around the corner
This former brewery was once a beer paradise, but with respect for its past it was transformed from an industrial property into cultural heritage: the former malt attic is now the Käthe Kollwitz Museum.
The outbuildings of the brewery (horse stables, hop basement & storage area) are today the home of the Frenchmen Museum and the furnace room is transformed into Yves Rhayé room, a tribute to the sculptor and painter.
Furthermore, you can also find several pieces of art, for instance by the Flemish artist Willem Vermandere.