Antwerp - Pumping House (temporarily closed)

(Local Name: Brouwershuis) Anyone with an interest in industrial archaeology should make a detour north from the Academy of Fine Arts, along Mutsaertstraat, across Falconplein and past the International Seamen's House to Adriaan Brouwerstraat. The former gildehuis (No. 20), built by the engineer Gilbert van Schoonbeke in 1553, used as a working pumping station. It remained in operation until 1930. The pumping mechanism, powered by horses until as short a time ago as 1873, can still be seen, together with rooms containing the paraphernalia of the coopers' trades. A portrait of Gilbert van Schoonbeke, who contributed hugely to Antwerp's expansion beyond the confines of the old city, hangs in the council chamber.