About
About the Museum
What started as a modest collection of glasses has gradually become a way of exploring Belgian beer culture through the objects associated with it.
The glasses remain at the heart of the Museum, but they are really the starting point. Why are there so many different shapes? What do their designs tell us about the breweries, beers and places they represent? And why do Belgians take putting the right beer into the right glass quite so seriously?
Belgium's beer culture was inscribed by UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016. This Museum makes no grand claim to document all of that culture. Instead, it uses one small and rather particular collection of objects as a lens through which to explore some of it.
There is no prescribed route. Wander around. Follow a link because something catches your attention. Disappear down a rabbit hole. Where useful, I've included links so you can continue exploring beyond the Museum — or perhaps be inspired to visit somewhere yourself.
However you choose to experience the Museum, enjoy it and be curious.
A few things you should know
I'm a British expat living in Brussels who accidentally started collecting Belgian beer glasses.
I'm not an expert on Belgian breweriana. I've tried to make the Museum accurate and useful, but its interpretation reflects my own research, observations and opinions.
I have written and am responsible for the Museum's content, but I use AI as a research and editorial assistant.
I haven't visited every brewery or place featured here. Some entries reflect personal experience; others have been researched from afar.
You'll occasionally find information about whether dogs are welcome. This is not because canine access is an established branch of Belgian beer scholarship. My own canine companion often joins me, so it's information I find useful. Always check before setting off.
Frequently assumed questions
Frequently assumed because, let's be honest, nobody has actually asked me any questions yet.
What's your favourite Belgian beer?
This is like being asked what your favourite Beatles song is. A connoisseur might expect the answer to be something like A Day in the Life* — which in beer terms would probably be a Westvleteren 12. My answer on beer is actually a simpler, more accessible Bavik Super pils or SAS pilsner: I Want to Hold Your Hand, in Beatles terms. Sacrilege? Possibly...
* A Day in the Life is, incidentally, the correct answer to the Beatles question.
Do you have a favourite beer glass?
I like the ones that are most associated with memories, such as The Wipers Times glasses and my small Peak Beer collection. The Gruut limited edition (BBG130), is also a great glass.
This one was genuinely the first question I was asked after the museum went live.
What is your favourite Belgian brewery?
That depends on what you are looking for.
My personal top three would be:
Brouwerij Kazematten, Ypres
For history, atmosphere and a genuine connection between place and beer.
Gentse Stadsbrouwerij Gruut, Ghent
For something unique and fascinating. Brewing without traditional hops makes Gruut unlike almost any other Belgian brewery, and the bar itself is a great place to spend time.
Stadsbrouwerij De Koninck, Antwerp
For the best visitor experience. The self-guided interactive tour is a great example of how a brewery can tell its story. Combine it with a meal at Black Smoke BBQ next door for a memorable Antwerp experience
Get in touch
Questions, corrections, or a glass story to share? I'd love to hear from you. I read every message myself — this is a personal project, so a reply may take a few days.
Thank you — your message has been sent.
I read every message. This is a personal project, so a reply may take a few days.