Close filters
Filters
Submenu

News from the Kempen Diamond Center in Nijlen

Did you know that there is still a gemstone cutting and polishing facility in Nijlen that predates the First World War? This polishing facility and its accompanying machines are currently being restored. It will be opened to the general public in the spring of 2016.

 

In the meantime, you can discover nearly everything there is to know about how diamonds used to be processed in the Kempen by visiting the brand new visitor’s center next to the polishing facility. Here you will find the tools of the trade, and the diamond cutters and polishers will tell you their story in an interactive way.

 

Many activities are also planned in the coming months at the Kempen Diamond Center. Take a voyage of discovery and experience the exciting history of diamonds in the Kempen!

 

Sunday 26 April: Heritage Day: diamond processing, a legacy passed down from father to son?

 

The Diamond Center organizes numerous activities especially for children: crafts corners for building models, doing puzzles and drawing, a photography studio with costumes for young and old, and demonstrations with accompanying workshops. Join in and earn your certificate as a diamond processer!

 

Practical info: from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with demonstrations at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

 

Sunday 10, 17 and 24 May: “Toonbeeld” Art Route

 

For three consecutive Sundays, the Diamond Center will play host to the “Toonbeeld” Art Route. This route runs through Nijlen, Kessel and Bevel, exhibiting works at various locations by local artists from various disciplines: sculpture, photography, painting and drawing.

 

Discover local artists and diamond heritage in a pleasant atmosphere, including samples of local products from the shop!

 

Practical info: each Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m.

 

Sunday 14 June

 

Nijlen and the Kempen Diamond Center play host to the Flanders Diamond Tour, Grand Prix Evy Van Damme for elite women cyclists. The race travels from the Museum aan de Stroom/Museum by the River (MAS) Antwerp to the MAS Nijlen: the start signal will be sounded at the MAS Antwerp at 3 p.m. Additional information is available on our website and on Facebook. Make sure to have a look!

 

Additional information available on www.briljantekempen.be or on www.facebook.com/briljantekempen/info .

 

The Kempen Diamond Center can be visited free of charge.

 

Opening hours

From Tuesday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Also open the first weekend of each month, Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (the next weekend opening days are on 2 & 3 May and 6 & 7 June).

 

Address

Spoorweglei 42, 2560 Nijlen

The Kempen Diamond Center is located at the back of the Lieckens Cutting Facility premises. A flag along the road will point you the way.

 

Getting there

The Kempen Diamond Center is easily accessible by public transportation: it is located 300 m from the Nijlen train station and several bus routes stop in the center of Nijlen, close to the Diamond Center: routes 150, 151 and 152. You can park your car close by and free of charge at the August Hermansplein (100 m by foot).