Blower Hall, Esch-sur-Alzette, LUXEMBOURG

The Blower Hall (Gebléishal or Halle des Soufflantes) stands as a monument to Luxembourg’s rich industrial past, representing a bygone era when steel production dominated the region of Esch-sur-Alzette and the Luxembourgish economy. Nestled within the Minett Biosphere Reserve, which is included in UNESCO’s ‘Man and the Biosphere’ Programme, the site embodies a remarkable blend of historical and cultural significance, and has the potential to be a dynamic civic hub.

Blower Hall, Esch-sur-Alzette, LUXEMBOURG

The Blower Hall, or Gebléishal as it is known in Luxembourg, was built in 1910. It spans 160 metres in length, over 72 metres in width, and 28 metres in height, effectively forming two interconnected halls. Originally serving as a heart of iron ore processing, it was vital to the functioning of the adjacent blast furnaces. While its construction materials are less elaborate than those of other 19th century industrial halls, the hall’s scale and historical role make it a clear cornerstone of Luxembourg’s industrial heritage. The Blower Hall has been under national protection since 2000; it preserves unique technical elements essential for understanding historic steel production systems.

Despite its heritage status, the Blower Hall faces significant threats. Closed in 2019 due to structural instability and contamination risks, the building is in an advanced state of deterioration. Water damage, rusting metalwork, and decaying façades compromise its integrity, while the internal condition remains largely unknown due to restricted access. Without immediate intervention, the hall risks becoming an irretrievable loss to Luxembourg’s industrial heritage landscape.

Blower Hall, Esch-sur-Alzette, LUXEMBOURG
Great efforts have been made to save the Blower Hall. Non-profit organisations – including the Amicale des Hauts Fourneaux and the association Eise Stol, the predecessor of the Centre national de la culture industrielle (CNCI) – have spearheaded preservation campaigns, petitions, studies and public seminars. The University of Luxembourg has undertaken research and feasibility studies, exploring innovative ways to repurpose the hall, which is located directly next to the university campus. Collaborative initiatives with Fonds Belval, entrusted by the Ministry of Mobility and Public Works, aim to integrate the hall’s rehabilitation into the broader redevelopment project of the Belval district and of Esch-sur-Alzette.

CNCI had been mandated in 2019 to develop a sustainable concept for transforming the Blower Hall into a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship and tourism, drawing in visitors with a unique blend of industrial heritage and modern development. Plans include creating a sustainable, multipurpose space that promotes education, science, culture and citizens’ engagement. This transformation aligns with the goals of the Minett Biosphere Reserve, integrating environmental, educational, and social objectives. The proposed restoration of the Blower Hall is a beacon of hope for Luxembourg and Europe.

Blower Hall, Esch-sur-Alzette, LUXEMBOURG
The NGO Centre national de la culture industrielle (CNCI) nominated the Blower Hall to the 7 Most Endangered Programme 2025, with the aim of elevating the hall’s profile on an international level, securing its preservation and ensuring its sustainable development for future generations.

The Advisory Panel of the 7 Most Endangered Programme stated: “The Blower Hall is an exceptional industrial heritage monument in what was a major steel production site in Luxembourg throughout most of the 20th century. It is not only an historical landmark, but also a potential model for adaptive reuse in Europe. Its envisioned transformation into a multipurpose space for culture, education, science and community engagement could epitomise sustainable urban regeneration. As part of the government’s “Cité des Sciences” flagship project, the rehabilitation of the Blower Hall could bridge the past and the future, fostering innovation while preserving heritage.”