The Brasseries Atlas stand as an important witness to Brussels’ rich industrial and brewing past, continuing at the time a flourishing activity in the Cureghem district. Archival research has shown that the first brewing hall of the complex was built in 1912, when it was known as Brasserie Saint-Guidon. In 1924, stables, offices, rinsing rooms and bottling halls were added. The following year, it merged with the neighbouring Brasserie du Petit Moulin. The most striking building in the complex, the brewing tower, was only built in 1926 to plans by architect Installé. Since then, with its height of 30 metres, it has formed part of the urban landscape. In a distinctly industrial Art Deco style, it allowed beer to be brewed using the “Nathan system” of the “grande cascade”: each floor housed one stage of malt production, from top to bottom, ending with beer storage in the cellars. Brewing ceased in 1956 and the complex was sold to Brouwerij Haacht.
In 1989, the complex was bought by the “Communauté de la Poudrière – Emmaus”, which converted the site. In 2016, B&R Development became the new owner and allowed a temporary occupation, which is still ongoing today.