If You Love Beer, Check Out The World’s Best Beer Museums
Brewing has been a part of human history for literally thousands of years. In fact, beer is the oldest recorded recipe on earth. Brewing instructions were found on ancient Egyptian papyrus scrolls dating back to 5,000 BC. With this lengthy of a lineage, it’s no surprise at all that there should be museums dedicated to the liquid. There’s actually half a dozen of them scattered across the globe. And they each have something interesting to offer—along with a few frosty pints, of course.
Sapporo Beer Museum — Sapporo, Japan
Arguably the world’s first such installation was opened to the public in July of 1987. The building traces its roots to the late 19th Century, when it functioned as a sugar factory. After a slow and steady decline in the industry, the Sapporo Beer Company purchased it and repurposed it as a brewery in 1903. For the next six decades the facility would become the backbone of one of Japan’s largest producers. Although it is no longer a working brewery, you can explore the tradition of the craft—and the significance of this beautiful ivy-clad building—on a free 20-minute tour offered daily from 11AM to 8PM. For an additional charge you can enjoy local specialities that never make it beyond the island of Hokkaido.
Bruges Beer Experience — Bruges, Belgium
To call Belgium the ‘World Capital of Beer’ is no overstatement. The country boasts more breweries per capita than anywhere else on the planet. Today there are over 600 beers brewed here, in a country of just 11.4 million. The Flanders region is particularly adept at the craft, and in the enchanting city of Bruges they’ve been perfecting it since the Middle Ages. They even reside over the world’s only beer pipeline. But it wasn’t until 2014 that they finally opened a museum to honor this proud past. Situated in the very heart of Market Square (Markt), the Bruges Beer Experience has quickly evolved into an obligatory stop on any journey to the medieval enclave. Open from 10AM to 6PM daily, it is the most immersive museum of its kind—providing insight into everything from hop cultivation to beer marketing and advertising. €16 tours conclude with a tasting in a spacious bar overlooking the square.
The National Brewery Museum — Potosi, Wisconsin
Unbeknownst to most American beer drinkers, is the existence of this domestic shrine to beer history. That’s probably because it was built in the remote town of Potosi, Wisconsin—population 688. But the devoted suds enthusiasts who make the pilgrimage here are rewarded with a sip-able showcase of something known as breweriana: the ephemera and lore surrounding beer culture. Self-guided tours are offered in the afternoons from Wednesday through Sunday. For $13 you’ll get access to it all—including a conjoining transportation museum—along with beer samples and a collectible pint glass from the Potosi Brewing Company.
The Guinness Archive — Dublin, Ireland
The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, home of the eponymous stout, is Ireland’s most visited tourist attraction. Last year alone, 1.7 million visitors made their way through the seven-story facility, which bears slight resemblance to an actual pint of the storied liquid. But far fewer guests here will ever get to lay eyes upon the Archive. Available by appointment only, from 9AM-5PM on weekdays, this is an unparalleled trove of literature and lore spanning the company’s 250 year history. To request a peek inside you’ll have to fill out this form and wait for a response from the brand. If confirmed, you’ll then purchase a €19.50 ticket to the storehouse for the day of your reservation. This will include a pint of the black stuff at the famed Gravity Bar, suspended above downtown.
Brad Japhe is a freelance journalist specializing in food, beverage,and travel. He moonlights as a beer and spirits consultant, hosting monthly craft pairings/education..
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