Molenbeek-Saint-Jean is a commune of 71,000 on the western edge of the
Brussels administrative district. It can be roughly divided into two parts. The upper part is a wealthy residential neighborhood. The lower part is a former industrial center, built up during the nineteenth century, which is presently home to a number of immigrant enclaves.
The Foundry is a museum dedicated to the history of industry in Molenbeek-Saint-Jean.