Last year, I spent two days in Maasmechelen, in the Belgian province of Limburg. I visited Maasmechelen Village Outlet Shopping there, but also went hiking in Connecterra and walked around the old mine workers neighborhood. On my way home from Maasmechelen, I decided to stop at C-mine in Genk, another old mining site here in Belgium.
C-mine is a cultural and recreational site located on an old mining site, like be-MINE in Beringen. What makes it interesting is that some of the buildings have been renovated and repurposed, while another part of the site has been restored and turned into a museum about the mining activities that used to take place there.
The site now holds the museum, a restaurant, a movie theater, a cultural center and office spaces. There’s also a School of Arts and a Fablab where you can learn techniques such as 3D printing.
Even if you decide to simply have a look around and not descend into the old mine shafts, it’s a cool place to make a stop and grab a drink. If you’re feeling sporty, you can always walk to the nearby terril and climb that to get a great view of the area.
C-mine Genk is located in Coppéelaan 91 1, 3600, Genk , Belgium. It is a dynamic cultural and creative hub situated on the grounds of a former coal mine. This innovative center, opened to the public in 2010, incorporates a cultural center, university campus, business incubator, museum, restaurants, and event spaces, all while celebrating Genk’s industrial history. The history of C-mine Genk is closely tied to the Winterslag coal mine, which operated from 1914 to 1988 and played a vital role in Genk’s economy. Visitors can explore C-mine Genk year-round, with opening hours varying by venue. The site offers attractions for all ages, including the C-mine Expedition tour and cultural events, each with its own ticket prices. The typical visit duration ranges from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the extent of exploration.
There is no single best time to visit C-mine Genk, as it offers attractions year-round. Peak seasons include summer and the late fall/winter holiday season when special events are hosted. Visitors can spend as much time as they desire at the site, and there are no restrictions on the length of stay. Safety is a priority at C-mine Genk, and security measures are in place to ensure a comfortable and secure visit.
C-mine Genk has no entrance fee to access the main site but specific attractions and programs have their own pricing. Visitors typically spend between 2 to 6 hours at C-mine Genk, depending on their preferences and the attractions they choose to explore. C-mine Genk offers guided tours, including the C-mine Expedition, which is a self-guided audio tour of the underground areas. Special themed tours and educational student tours can be arranged for those with specific interests or school groups. C-mine Genk provides a unique and engaging experience that celebrates both its industrial past and creative present, making it well worth a visit.
What is C-mine Genk?
C-mine Genk is a cultural and creative hub located in Genk, Belgium, at the site of a former coal mine. C-mine Geck has a cultural center, a university campus, a business incubator, a museum, restaurants, and event spaces, all within the context of Genk’s industrial history.It opened to the public in 2010, following the transformation of the Winterslag coal mine site, which began in the early 2000s.
The Winterslag coal mine, operational from 1914 to 1988, was pivotal to Genk’s economy. After its closure, the city acquired the site in 2001, envisioning it as a center for arts and culture. The name “C-mine” was adopted in 2005, and the renovation of the old buildings was completed by 2010, marking the site’s rebirth as a hub for creativity.
Visitors to C-mine Genk can enjoy a range of experiences, with the site open most days from late morning to evening. The best time to visit varies depending on individual interests and the event schedule, but the site offers attractions year-round. Entry to the site is free, but specific attractions like the C-mine Expedition tour and cultural events have their own ticket prices.
A typical visit lasts between 2 to 6 hours, depending on how much of the site’s diverse offerings visitors choose to explore. C-mine is accessible by public transport and car, with parking available.
Where is C-mine Genk?
C-mine Genk is located at C-Mine, Coppéelaan 91 1, 3600 Genk, Belgium, in the Winterslag area of Genk, which was built up around one of the city’s main coal mines in the early 1900s. C-mine Genk lies in the Belgian province of Limburg, near the borders with the Netherlands and Germany. The geographical coordinates for C-mine Genk are 50.9826° N latitude and 5.4905° E longitude. The nearest city is Hasselt, which is 15 km ( 9 miles) away and Brussels, the nearest capital of Belgium, is 87 km ( 54 miles) southwest of Genk.
When was C-mine Genk opened to Public?
C-mine Genk first opened in 2010, but the redevelopment of the old Winterslag coal mine site into a creative hub began in the early 2000s. The city of Genk purchased the former mining site in 2001 and initiated plans to convert it into a center focused on arts, culture and the creative industries. Renovation of the historic industrial buildings was carried out from 2005 to 2010 under the architectural lead of Belgian firm 51N4E. C-mine Genk facilities opened earlier in 2010 that marked the substantial completion of the main hub.
What is the history of C-mine and Winterslag?
C-mine Genk has its origins in the Winterslag coal mine, one of three major mines that operated in Genk during the 20th century. Coal was first discovered in Genk in 1901, quickly sparking intensive mining operations and expansion of the city. Winterslag mine opened in 1914 and for decades was central to the local economy. By the 1960s, coal deposits were dwindling and the mine closed down in 1988. This left Winterslag and other former mining sites vacant. In 2001, the city acquired the Winterslag site from LRM (“Limburgse Reconversie Maatschappij”) and launched plans to redevelop it into a cultural and creative center that would revitalize the area. The name “C-mine” was chosen in 2005 and renovations of the old buildings were carried out. When the main facilities opened in 2010, the former industrial site had been transformed into a hub for arts, design and innovation.
What are the Culture and Entertainment activities of C-mine Genk?
Listed below are the cultural and entertainment activities of C-mine Genk.
- C-mine Expedition. The C-mine Expedition starts in the former energy building of Winterslag and takes you on a trip through the old mine galleries, where you’ll see all sorts of installations which will tell you stories about the mines. Afterward, you get to climb the 60-meter high headframe that is located on the C-mine square. – (Afraid of heights? You don’t have to do this. There is another stop at 15 meters.) – Once you’re back in the energy building, you can walk around between all the different old machines. Website: www.c-mine.be/expeditie
- CC Genk. The cultural center of the city of Genk does music programming, comedy, dance, circus, film, exhibitions, lectures, etc. Website: www.c-minecultuurcentrum.be
- Labyrinth. Labyrinth is an installation designed by the art and architecture duo Gijs Van Vaerenbergh – the designers behind the see-through church in Borgloon – on the C-Mine square. It is a real labyrinth, through which you have to navigate your way out.
- Erfgoedcel Mijn-Erfgoed. The Erfgoedcel Mijn-Erfgoed wants to open up, preserve and promote the Limburg mining heritage as well as other cultural heritage of the region. Website: www.erfgoedcelmijnerfgoed.be
- Euroscoop Genk. Euroscoop Genk or the Euroscoop cinema is part of the Euroscoop company chain and is one of the most beautifully located cinemas in Limburg – in the authentic setting of the mine site! Address Euroscoop Genk: C-mine 1, Evence Coppéelaan 91, Genk. Opening hours Euroscoop Genk: Monday-Saturday from 1:30 pm , from 10 am on Sundays. Telephone number Euroscoop Genk: 089 30 80 00 Website: www.euroscoop.be/genk
- ‘t Speelmijntje. ‘t Speelmijntje is an indoor playground for children aged 1 to 12 years. There’s a cafeteria so that (grand)parents can enjoy a drink while the children are enjoying themselves at the playground. Website: speelmijntje.be
- Wok Plaza Genk. Anyone looking for a delicious wok in Genk, usually ends up at Wok Plaza. This restaurant offers wok at their buffet counter, but you can get starters and desserts as well. Website: wokplaza.be
- Brasserie Basic. Brasserie Basic is a trendy brasserie which mainly serves Belgian dishes, but has a beer and wine tasting room as well. They offer lunch, as well as a quick bite, sweets and an extensive dinner. Website: www.basic-brasserie.be
- Ciné Cittá. Dining out in Genk before going to the movies? The Italian restaurant Ciné Città is located nearby the Euroscoop cinema. Don’t expect high cuisine, but a simple meal close to the cinema. Website: www.cine-citta.com
- LUCA School of Arts. The LUCA School of Arts has a C-Mine Genk campus which offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in Audiovisual & Visual Arts and in Product design. Website: www.luca-arts.be/c-mine
- FabLab Genk. FabLab Genk is a production, experiment and research space. On Mondays and Tuesdays, classes take place in the FabLab, from Wednesday till Friday the Lab is open for people to use the machines for free. Website: www.fablabgenk.be
What are the visiting hours of C-mine Genk?
The visiting hours at C-mine Genk vary by venue, but most of the site is accessible to visitors from late morning through evening, 7 days a week. The C-mine Expedition in the cultural center welcomes visitors daily from 10 am to 6 pm. It operates based on its event schedules, ensuring a space that caters to various cultural and artistic happenings. Euroscoop Cinema provides cinematic entertainment, opening at 1:30 pm from Monday to Saturday and 10 am on Sundays. The Design Center is accessible from 2 pm to 6 pm on Mondays and from 11 am to 6 pm from Tuesday to Sunday. Studio Pieter Stockmans in C-mine Genk invites visitors on Thursdays to Sundays, from 2 pm to 6 pm. Some venues like the cultural center and cinema have specific hours based on programming.
When is the Best Time to Visit C-mine Genk?
There is no single best time to visit C-mine Genk because it can be enjoyed year-round. For those interested in particular programs and events, the timing would depend on what is scheduled during your visit. Peak seasons are summer, when weather is ideal for exploring the outdoor areas, and the holiday season in late fall/winter, when C-mine hosts special events. Visiting on a weekend day provides the most opportunities to experience key attractions like the design center and exhibitions. Weekday mornings and afternoons are less crowded. To get the full experience, plan to spend at least half a day at C-mine. Arriving early in the day allows ample time to take in the variety of facilities on offer.
Is it safe to visit in C-mine Genk?
Yes, it is safe to visit C-mine Genk. As a popular tourist destination, safety and security are priorities for the site management. The underground C-mine Expedition tour is conducted along fixed, illuminated pathways within the stable old mine tunnels, so there are no risks of becoming lost or injured. Above ground, the repurposed industrial buildings and equipment are made secure for public access. There is also on-site security staff monitoring the complex. Normal precautions for traveling in Europe apply, such as being aware of pickpockets in crowded areas. C-mine Genk does not present any unique safety issues and can be visited comfortably by tourists.
How much is the Entrance Fee for C-mine Genk?
There is no entrance fee to access C-mine Genk, but it has a variety of facilities that have fees. The main site can be accessed free of charge. Specific attractions and programs each have their own pricing where C-mine Expedition tours at €10 (US $10.69, £8.69) for adults and €6 (US $6.41, £5.21) for children aged 6 to 18. Cultural center performances ticket prices vary by event. The Euroscoop Cinema rates start from €9.50 (US $10.19, £8.24). C-mine Genk certain offerings like the underground tour and cultural events do require individual tickets to be purchased.
How long can you stay in C-mine Genk?
There is no limit on length of stay at C-mine Genk. Visitors are welcome to spend as much time as they wish exploring the various venues across the site. It is possible to easily spend a full day or longer at C-mine taking in all it has to offer. Key attractions like the C-mine Expedition tour and cultural center exhibitions will each require an hour or more. There are also restaurants and activity spaces supporting extended visits. C-mine operates from late morning through evening, so one could conceivably arrive shortly after opening and stay until closing if desired.
How long is the typical visit time in C-mine Genk?
Visitors spend between 2-6 hours at C-mine Genk. Those interested in quick highlights such as the C-mine Expedition tour may only spend a couple hours on site. Visitors taking in more of the key attractions like the cultural center, cinema, studio and design center exhibitions will likely spend at least half a day at C-mine. Most tourists likely find the 2-6 hour range allows them to take in the parts of C-mine of greatest interest to them.
How to get to C-mine Genk?
C-mine Genk is easily accessible by both public transportation and private cars. It is located around 2 km (1.2 miles) south of Genk town center. C-mine Genk can be reached by public transport, taking a train to Genk station, then transferring to bus #1 direction Waterschei, which stops directly at C-mine. By car, it can be reached via the E314 motorway. Exit at Genk-Zuid, then follow signs for Bokrijk/C-mine – the site has plenty of free parking available. Genk is also connected via public transport to nearby cities Hasselt, Maastricht and Liege. So C-mine can be incorporated as part of a wider trip to southeast Belgium/Limburg. Whether arriving by bus, train or car, the former mining site turned creative hub is convenient to access for tourists.
What are the house rules of C-mine Genk?
C-mine Genk does not have extensive house rules beyond normal codes of conduct for public venues. Visitors are expected to behave appropriately, not damage facilities, keep noise levels reasonable and not disrupt other patrons. Facilities like the cinema, restaurants and cultural center performances require observers to be quiet and non-distracting during shows or events. Smoking is prohibited indoors. Food and beverages generally cannot be brought into performance venues. Standard restrictions on items like weapons and illegal substances apply as in other public spaces. Photography is allowed in most areas for personal, non-commercial use. Beyond these common sense guidelines, C-mine Genk aims to provide an open, welcoming environment for visitors to freely explore and enjoy.
What visitors say about C-mine Genk?
Visitors are impressed by the creative energy and inspirational atmosphere across the redeveloped site. The blend of historical industrial architecture and contemporary art and design is commonly cited as a highlight. Specific attractions like the C-mine Expedition underground tour draw praise for providing an immersive glimpse into the region’s mining past. Negative critiques are rare, with some comments that food and drink prices are relatively high. C-mine scores very well for providing a unique and engaging experience that creatively transforms an old industrial site.
Is it worth it to visit C-mine Genk?
Yes, C-mine Genk is absolutely worth visiting. The C-mine underground expedition tour is a very educative attraction in Belgium. The cinema, galleries, restaurants and the C-mine successfully balances heritage, creativity and innovation. For the reasonable cost, visitors are rewarded with a uniquely immersive and educational day out. C-mine Genk stands as a one-of-a-kind creative site that makes the most of its industrial past.
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