“What do you think is left over? Nothing… empty streets and squares” This poignant message by a migrant named Daniel sets the stage as we stand before the MigratieMuseumMigration.
The MigratieMuseumMigration or MMM opened its doors in December 2019. It resides in Molenbeek and tells the compelling story of migration. This museum focuses on migrants themselves. It highlights their invaluable contributions to Brussels.
Brussels owes much to the migrants who have arrived over the years. They have enriched the city’s culture and boosted its economy. Yet, the impact of migration has rarely been formally acknowledged until now, with the opening of the MigratieMuseumMigration.
Foyer is a non-profit organization. It founded the MigratieMuseumMigration. Foyer has been active since 1969. It focuses on social cohesion. It empowers and integrates people with immigrant backgrounds. It operates at local regional and international levels.
Consider this fact. Sixty percent of Brussels’ 1.2 million residents were born outside Belgium. This statistic underscores the city’s incredible diversity. Eric Corijn explains that Brussels has transformed from a Belgian city into a small world city. He is a VUB cultural philosopher. Multilingual households make up 61% of the city. Only 5% speak Dutch. Just 33% speak French.
The MigratieMuseumMigration seeks to unite communities. It aims to foster a new idea of citizenship. This emphasizes the city above nationality. The museum also gives a permanent home to the stories of first-generation guest workers. It also includes war refugees asylum seekers and Europeans who move freely within the EU.
Inside the MigratieMuseumMigration, personal memories take center stage. Photos and souvenirs tell unique stories. The heart of the museum features two circles that radiate warmth and light. Panels explain the various waves of migration to Brussels. A touchscreen offers an overview of the city’s demographic evolution. Visitors can explore by region or municipality and find a complete list of nationalities.
Seven contemporary artists display their works on the theme of migration. They are Willem Boel Peter Buggenhout Ermias Kifleyesus Charif Benhelima Thomas Israel Elio Germani and Elia Li Gioi. Elia Li Gioi’s exhibition From Pain to Hope addresses the perilous journeys of migrants. It highlights those who risk their lives crossing the Mediterranean.
The MigratieMuseumMigration recounts personal stories. These are in 42 display cases each highlighting an individual or theme. Photographs documents and objects fill the cases. These are personal and universally recognizable. One display features a helmet. It evokes stories from the construction of the Brussels metro tunnels. It also connects to the Polish Bulgarian and Portuguese workers. They are building Brussels today.
Johan Leman is the president of Foyer. He notes the MigratieMuseumMigration will house narratives. These will be from immigrants of 184 nationalities in Brussels. It will also consider the gender aspect. The MigratieMuseumMigration is continuously evolving. It mirrors Brussels’ migration streams.
Sara García de Blas works at the Jesuit Refugee Service Europe. She believes the MigratieMuseumMigration counters populism. It also helps understand the complexities of migration. The museum allows migrants to speak and tell their own stories.
The MigratieMuseumMigration stands as a testament to Brussels’ diverse communities. It also honors those who have shaped the city. This is a place where every story matters. The MigratieMuseumMigration invites you to reflect on your own story.