Vennestraat

Vennestraat

A street for all the senses.

Vollebak Vennestraat ©stad Genk Vollebak Vennestraat ©stad Genk

Vennestraat starts in the shadow of C-mine, literally. It is Genk’s cosmopolitan artery, with its restaurants and cafes, specialised shops and galleries, and its fresh market every Saturday. Together, C-mine and Vennestraat offer an exciting pairing: while one inspires and fascinates, the other offers relaxation and enjoyment.

Over the past few years, and with lots of loving attention, Vennestraat has transformed into a street full of sensual delights. It’s a street that invites you to wander and stroll, and to sample its mouth-wateringly delicious popular foods.

Find out more about the merchants of Vennestraat via their website.

Art & Design at Vennestraat

Galleriet is the art gallery of interior architect and furniture designer Gilberte Claes. The gallery finds its inspiration in Vennestraat's multicultural vibe and in its location at the heart of Winterslag's old mining site. Galleriet's other source of inspiration is a distinct affinity with Scandinavia. The gallery also serves as a platform for fellow designers from Scandinavia, to exhibit or to launch their work.

Breed is a renovated building with a unique history: it's the childhood home of Martin Margiela, the iconic fashion designer. Today, it's a crossroads for creativity. The house is the home of F.O.M.A., an art gallery; VIA, an architectural company; ELSE, a visual artist who has her atelier here; and DOORZIGT, a glass workshop. You're welcome to have a look during opening hours.

Oja is the name of a surprising and dynamic collection of art & design objects, inspiring jewelry and original accessories, ranging from ceramics and textiles to leather- and paperware. The collection not only features own work by architect and (jewelry) designer Denise Gielen, but also work by Linde Hermans, Lore Langendries and others. Oja is a combination of shop, gallery and studio.

Vennestraat©Stad Genk Vennestraat ©Stad Genk

Out and about in the Vennestraat with the free booklet ‘Soul food in de Vennestraat’

Where to go if you want your choice of 18 types of pasta? What’s the name of that place where they have that traditional Belgian miners’ beer on tap? Where can you take a bite out of those delicious Genk-style cookies? The free booklet ‘Soul food in de Vennestraat’ guides you to shops, cafes and restaurants with origins all over the world. From a Turkish supermarket over a Greek restaurant or an Italian specialty shop to a cozy Flemish coffee house. The booklet comes with a handy map, a brief description of each business and tips for fun day trips, such as art galleries, pop-up shops or antiquing – it’s all listed in here.

Pick up your free booklet at the C-mine visitor reception desk.

Vennestraat ©stad Genk Vennestraat ©stad Genk

Vollebak Vennestraat

When it’s summer, come enjoy the event ‘Vollebak Vennestraat’: four Saturdays full steam ahead, with multiculinary delights and music, in a festive atmosphere.

For the schedule for ‘Vollebak Vennestraat’, go to www.vollebakvennestraat.be, updated each July.