La Fonderie, Brussels Museum of Industry and Labour
27 Rue Ransfort, Brussels
In 1986, the French Community purchased the site of the former Compagnie des Bronzes de Bruxelles, abandoned since 1977, and allowed La Fonderie to set up there. It is located in Molenbeek, in the heart of what was once called “Little Manchester”.
See Wikipedia entry
There are two distinct facets to the museum: (a) the building housing the displays, archives, community facilities etc., and (b) the derelict buildings, works yard, and salvaged machinery and other industrial artefacts.
The site provides an excellent example of what was once a common phenomenon in industrial towns in the 19th century - heavy industrial premises right in the heart of an urban area.
See here for an account of the foundry, which includes photographs showing workers in buildings which are now restored or standing derelict in the museum.[1]. These include the main foundry building and statue assembly building seen in the photos on this page.