Industrial heritage that's still running.
Welcome to our industrial knitting museum, where you'll step straight into a world where textile craftsmanship and local history meet.
At MAP - Den Brei, the knitting industry of Sint-Niklaas and the surrounding region comes back to life. All the historical knitting machines are still in working order. On certain days, our volunteers switch them on, so you can hear them clicking away and even catch the smell of the machine oil. Amid fashionable patterns, clever knitting techniques and stories about working life in the industry, discover how this trade helped shape both the life and the look of the city.
Accessibility
A visit is a memorable experience for everyone. That's why we offer tailored options for visitors with disabilities or specific needs, and their companions. Check our information and plan your visit.
Opening hours
Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed on Mondays
Getting there
By public transport: the museum site is located in the city centre of Sint-Niklaas, which is easily accessible by train and bus.
On foot: the museum site is within walking distance of the Grote Markt and Sint-Niklaas train station.
By bike: there's a spacious bicycle rack to the right of the entrance at Zwijgershoek.
By car: you'll find the Zwijgershoek car park right next to the museum site. Parking is also available beneath the Grote Markt or at the station.
Education
School visits to Den Brei
Dive into the wonderful world of wool, rhythm and whirring machines with your pupils. At MAP - Den Brei, classes discover how the knitting industry shaped the region, and how technique, creativity and craftsmanship come together. The still-working knitting machines, the smell of oil and the visible craftsmanship make the story all the more tangible for every visitor.
For nursery and primary schools, we offer the playful, hands-on workshop From Needle to Thread, in which children explore materials themselves and try out small knitting experiments. For secondary schools, there are activities that go into more depth, such as Extraordinary Knitting and the guided tour Knit One, Purl One, which bring together technique, history and working conditions. A visit to Den Brei means learning with your hands, ears and eyes alike.