Le Bois du Cazier, Wallonia, Belgium

5macedonboy 5:00 PM Jun 16, 2017

Well worth a visit
This museum is a fitting memorial to the 256 miners who died 60 years ago in a mining disaster. The museum preserves much of the mine overground as well as restored and repurposed some of the facilities such as shower rooms. The audio guide does an exceptional job of describe the history of the mine, what life was like for the miners and of course about the disaster. There is also 2 other museums inside the mining museum. The Museum of Industry and the Museum of Glass. The former is highly educational. The latter lacks any English (only French I think), so strictly look in wondrous amazement at what can be done with glass. Sadly, what once was will never be again. The coal industry isn't coming back to Charleroi, but the museum doesn't dwell too much on pining for a lost cause. The narrative ends with and urges a forward looking future of leveraging the skills that still exist, like glass making expertise. Definitely the one thing in Charleroi worth seeing and a fitting tribute.

4stephenfin 5:00 PM Jul 14, 2015

A great option for a stopover in Charleroi Airport
We had some time to kill while waiting for a connecting from the airport (CRL) and this was one of the few attractions in the area (not to mention one open on a Sunday). We spent approximately three hours here and enjoyed the experience. We traveled from the airport using the bus to Charleroi South train station (stop to the extreme left as you exit the airport), and then got a taxi to the museum (were we doing this again, we would have got a taxi straight there). The drive itself isn't fantastic - Charleroi isn't renowned for it's beauty or wealth - but it was quick. The museum itself is modern and beautiful. It actually consists of three museums: a museum on the industrial age machinery, a museum on glassworks and a museum on the Bois du Cazier mining accident. Each of these museums had numerous permanent exhibits. None of these exhibits will blow you away, but combined they are interesting enough to hold your attention for a few hours. The giant mine elevator shafts are also a great sight on a good day. The industrial age machinery and mining accident parts of the museum provided info placards in Dutch, French and English (sadly the glassworks museum only provided Dutch and French). In addition, it is possible to get an audio guide for 1€ that provides some context about the museum and site. This audio guide provided in a conversational style (two people talking, with one supposed to be a former miner). I wasn't a fan of this and stopped using it after some time but other people may enjoy it. Outside of the exhibits, the museum also provides a cafe and the obligatory gift shop. Once again, neither of these will stun you but you may pick up the odd interesting trinket. The museum is not by itself a reason to visit Charleroi (there aren't many, it seems). However, as the title suggests it is a great option should you be killing time during a layover in Charleroi Airport (or Brussels South, as Ryanair like to refer to it). It is well enough run, sufficiently interesting and (most importantly?) close enough to the airport to warrant a visit.