La Malterie

In 1995, a collective of artists envisioned a space where creativity could flourish. They found their canvas in an abandoned malt house of a former brewery. This marked the birth of La Malterie. La Malterie quickly became a haven for artistic expression in Lille. Located at the intersection of Boulevard Victor Hugo and Rue Kuhlmann in the Wazemmes district, La Malterie pulsates with artistic energy. La Malterie isn’t just a building. It’s a vibrant ecosystem. It supports research and experimentation across various disciplines. La Malterie houses studios, rehearsal spaces, a concert hall, exhibition areas, and even a resource center for visual artists. Did you know La Malterie’s story began with a mishap? A group of artists exhibited their work in a gallery. Sadly, some pieces were damaged by the gallery staff. The artists used the insurance money to found La Malterie. They rented the former malt house, a relic of Lille’s brewing past. The small windows and low ceilings, once designed for drying malt, now fostered a unique creative atmosphere. As La Malterie blossomed, it added concerts and exhibitions to its repertoire. The venue gained local and international recognition. However, in 1999, La Malterie faced a setback. It was temporarily closed due to safety concerns. With support from the city of Lille, the Nord-Pas de Calais region, and the Ministry of Culture, La Malterie underwent renovations. It reopened in 2001, stronger and more vibrant than ever. Today, La Malterie thrives as a hub for artistic creation. Over 120 artists work within its walls, utilizing its studios, offices, and rehearsal rooms. La Malterie continues to host exhibitions, concerts, and residencies, contributing to Lille’s rich cultural tapestry. If you’re looking to discover the pulse of Lille’s contemporary art scene, La Malterie is calling. The nearest metro station is Porte des Postes.