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Frans Van Haelen was also a well known cultural figure in his time, a patron of the arts and benefactor to the pre-war artist group later known as the Brabant Fauves. This group included the artists Rik Wouters (1882-1916) and Felix De Boeck (1898-1995). They assembled at the brewer's home, and also worked in a loft above the Cafe Les 3 Pigeons across the street from the brewery. Gueuze was sometimes exchanged for artworks. A private gallery was constructed inside the brewery, and Van Haelen's home was full of fine art and antiquities. Van Haelen was a friend of famous Belgian artist James Ensor, and several of his paintings hung inside the brewery before it was demolished in 1971. Van Haelen also sponsored the restoration of the castle in Beersel from 1928-1939. He was said to be the richest man in Beersel before the second world war.