Located in Saint-Nicolas-de-Port, near Nancy, this museum installed in a former industrial brewery is entirely devoted to the history and techniques of beer production in France. The Meurthe-et-Moselle region is very familiar with this epic, as the popular beverage has been produced here since at least the 16th century. In the 19th century, the city still had many breweries, most of which were still active in the 20th century, but in the 1980s, unsuccessful takeovers or bad mergers led the last one to close.
It is in the premises of this one, promised to the destruction, that the museum is held today thanks to the implication of the inhabitants of the commune. Affected by this closure of a rich part of their history, the former workers of the brewery but also the municipality and volunteers succeeded in preserving the various buildings and, in 1988, the museum opened its doors.
A faithful reconstruction of an 18th century brewery, the museum has saved valuable industrial machinery and a rich architectural heritage (its facades and roofs are now listed) but, above all, it shares with today's visitors the history and culture of beer. In this building designed by the architect Fernand César, you will be able to discover, for example, in the old cooling and brewing rooms, the vats and machines that were used to produce beer in the 18th and 19th centuries.
In support of these old malting and brewing materials, the evolution of manufacturing techniques and the different stages of industrialization are told and, throughout the tour, a rich collection of advertising objects and two stained glass windows by Jacques Grüber allow you to fully immerse yourself in the history of French brewing.
But if the museum wants to bring this rich past to life, it does not forget the present with its amateur brewery offering demonstrations and tastings at the end of the visit. So head for Saint-Nicolas-de-Port for the many beer lovers: since 2022, beer has been the favorite alcohol of the French, ahead of wine!
Valérie from Comme des Français
To complete your French beer culture
Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health. Consume in moderation.
Photo credit: façade of the museum ©Antoine Taveneaux