©3B-Produktion GmbH
Documentary (Series) | 2021-2022 | arte, NDR [de] | Germany
Main data
| Director | Carola Wittrock |
|---|---|
| Written by | Carola Wittrock |
| Production | 3B-Produktion |
Brief synopsis
Formerly one of the largest coal mines in Belgium, Grand-Hornu is now a jewel of European industrial heritage. Despite its remoteness, the UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts architecture fans as well as contemporary art lovers. For more than two decades, the MACS, the Musée des Arts Contemporains, has been placing contemporary art in conjunction with the history of the industrial complex. "From Factory to Art - The MACS in Grand-Hornu" looks back at both the turbulent history of the site in the coal age and the courageous story of the museum's creation.
In order to be able to mine more coal in Grand-Hornu, workers were to be attracted from all over the world. Henri de Gorge, the founder of Grand-Hornu, started his large-scale project in 1810. He had a workers' settlement built - with a school, a library and a hospital, green spaces and even a ballroom. His plan worked: within just ten years, the number of workers increased sevenfold and coal production skyrocketed. A strong community he cared for - and exploited at the same time.
In the wake of the coal crisis of the mid-1950s, Grand-Hornu was also forced to close the colliery. In 1954, the last pieces of coal were extracted from the mines and the doors of the factory were closed. For decades the site lay dormant and decayed. It was not until a bold and courageous initiative by the founding director of MACS, Laurent Busine, that the site was rebuilt and rediscovered. His daring plan: not only to create a renowned contemporary museum, but also to involve the people from the surrounding area.
In order to be able to mine more coal in Grand-Hornu, workers were to be attracted from all over the world. Henri de Gorge, the founder of Grand-Hornu, started his large-scale project in 1810. He had a workers' settlement built - with a school, a library and a hospital, green spaces and even a ballroom. His plan worked: within just ten years, the number of workers increased sevenfold and coal production skyrocketed. A strong community he cared for - and exploited at the same time.
In the wake of the coal crisis of the mid-1950s, Grand-Hornu was also forced to close the colliery. In 1954, the last pieces of coal were extracted from the mines and the doors of the factory were closed. For decades the site lay dormant and decayed. It was not until a bold and courageous initiative by the founding director of MACS, Laurent Busine, that the site was rebuilt and rediscovered. His daring plan: not only to create a renowned contemporary museum, but also to involve the people from the surrounding area.