Frozen in time. That’s how the IJskelder feels. Right here before us stand the remnants of a bygone era. This isn’t just any cellar. This is the IJskelder in Oudergem a testament to Brussels’ industrial past.
Built in 1875 and expanded in 1894 by Jean-Philippe Sommereyns the IJskelder served a vital purpose. Imagine the bustling activity. The growing city needed ice for food preservation. The Sommereyns family answered that need creating Glacières Royales. Two massive ice cellars and an ice factory were constructed. The larger cellar boasts an impressive 4500 cubic meters of space.
King Leopold II’s ambitious expansion of Brussels fueled this demand. The large Brasserie de la Chasse Royale in the barracks district was a major client. The IJskelder was essential for its operations. Think of the countless deliveries of ice. The constant flow of goods and workers.
The IJskelder’s story isn’t all smooth sailing. The rise of the refrigerator after World War I spelled its doom. It fell into disuse. It became a mushroom farm then a dumping ground. A garage even occupied the surface level. The IJskelder was a forgotten relic.
Fortunately its story doesn’t end there. The Vrije Universiteit Brussel acquired the land in 1979. They rediscovered this hidden treasure. The IJskelder’s historical significance was recognized. It was protected in 1993 becoming a valued monument.
Today we stand before a marvel of industrial archaeology. This ‘underground cathedral’ as some call it. It survived neglect and repurposing. It stands as a reminder of a time when ice was king. A time of industrial innovation and the ever-changing needs of a growing city. The IJskelder offers a fascinating glimpse into Brussels’ rich and layered history. It’s a place where the past speaks volumes. A story frozen in time. But not forgotten.