Landhuis de Viron

Landhuis de Viron is a historic manor house in Sint-Pieters-Leeuw, a small municipality on the southwestern edge of Brussels in the Flemish Region of Belgium. Standing at Joseph Depauwstraat 11, the building today houses the municipality's public library, though its story stretches back far longer than its current role suggests.

Where does the building come from and what is its history?

The site's history spans nearly three centuries. The original structure was built around 1721, commissioned by a local baron as a village school for children from the surrounding area. Over the following centuries the building changed purpose several times before eventually becoming a municipal manor house — hence the Flemish name "landhuis," meaning country house or estate house. Roughly three hundred years after it was first built, the property underwent a thorough renovation that gave it an entirely new public function.

What can visitors find inside Landhuis de Viron today?

Following the renovation, the municipal library of Sint-Pieters-Leeuw officially opened inside the building in June 2022. It amounts to more than a traditional book-lending institution: the manor house was converted into a multi-purpose leisure and community hub spread across several floors.

On the ground floor, visitors find an experience space stocked with magazines alongside a games corner, plus a fablab equipped with a laser cutter and a 3D printer — a space aimed at residents interested in technology and hands-on making. The first floor is set aside as a quiet zone for adults, designed for focused reading and work. One floor up, the second floor holds a multipurpose room used for lectures, training sessions, and themed workshops. The youth section, meanwhile, is located in the basement of the building.

What are the opening hours?

The library at Landhuis de Viron is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 to 18:00, and on weekends — Saturday and Sunday — from 9:30 to 12:30. It is closed on Mondays. Given the building's hybrid character, combining a library with workshop space and a community centre, it is worth planning a visit ahead of time, especially if the goal is to join a specific activity or use the fablab.

Frequently asked questions

Is Landhuis de Viron a heritage building? Yes, the structure dates back to the early 18th century, originally built as a village school funded by a local baron.

Can you only borrow books here? No — alongside the standard library offering, the building includes a fablab with a 3D printer and laser cutter, a games corner, a quiet zone for adult readers, and a room for lectures and workshops.

Where exactly is the building located? At Joseph Depauwstraat 11 in Sint-Pieters-Leeuw, a municipality on the southwestern outskirts of Brussels.

Since when has the library operated here? The library officially opened in June 2022, following the renovation of the historic manor house.

Is there a section for children and teenagers? Yes, the youth section is located in the basement, separate from the areas reserved for adult readers.