Renovations GlazenHuis

In the fall of 2024, renovations will begin at GlazenHuis and the adjacent Tourism Lommel. During the construction period, the GlazenHuis site will not be accessible. This renovation will enhance the representation of the story of sand and glass in Lommel, with the glass studio as a central attraction.

GlazenHuis as a cultural hotspot

Founded in 2007, GlazenHuis has gained international recognition for its diverse exhibitions and residency program. To further strengthen this leading position, GlazenHuis is focusing on expansion and professionalization. As a result, the entire site will continue to develop into a cultural hotspot.

The artisanal glass studio will be housed in a brand-new monolithic building on the village square, giving it the prominent place it deserves. While passersby can discover the studio from the street, visitors will be able to watch the glassblowers at work from an intimate, centrally located viewing platform.

Iconic building repurposed

The monolithic building contrasts with the existing iconic glass structure, which will be repurposed as a tourist and museum reception area.

The protected monument House Aerts will be detached and restored to its original status as a standalone historical building, creating a direct and visible entrance to the welcoming reception area. Thanks to the openness of the site, it will also be accessible from the rear via the ‘De Vryheyt’ passage.

Greater focus on education

In addition to international artists and residents, GlazenHuis aims to invest more in education to pass on knowledge of the craft to future generations. “Through the residency program, we want to give talented glassblowers the opportunity to develop their artistic work, while simultaneously sharing their craftsmanship with students, staff, and the public,” says Artistic Director Jeroen Maes.

900 m² of exhibition space

GlazenHuis, along with the buildings on the opposite side of ‘De Vryheyt,’ will quadruple the available exhibition space. This will not only house the city’s glass art collection but also provide space for rotating exhibitions and glass-related projects open to the public.

“We’ve never presented GlazenHuis as a static museum with a fixed layout, but rather as a dynamic and artistic playground where glass, creativity, and wonder take center stage. We want to continue exploring and redefining this space. Glass is a material with a rich history and a fascinating future, but also a concept with countless facets and connotations,” explains Artistic Director Jeroen Maes.

Facades made from stamped Lommel sand

The facades will be stamped layer by layer using real Lommel sand, making the underground geology visible above ground. The previously fragmented site will thus be transformed into a visibly cohesive whole.

In addition to making an architectural statement, the new site aims to set an example of sustainability. The old gas furnaces in the glass studio will be replaced with energy-efficient electric models. Furthermore, solar panels will generate energy, while heat pumps are responsible for heating and cooling the buildings.

Increasing Lommel’s appeal

The new cultural hotspot will not only enhance the appeal of the village square but will also attract more visitors to Lommel. “With this extensive renovation, we want to position Lommel as a major cultural attraction. The tourist and museum reception will also be elevated to a higher level,” says Niek Janssen, Director of Tourism Lommel.