Museums and exhibitions
Art and history
The Brussels museums are mainly concentrated in two neighbourhoods: Mont des Arts and Parc du Cinquantenaire.
Mont des ArtsExternal link is home to the big guns, including:
- the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of BelgiumExternal link
- the Magritte MuseumExternal link
- the mim (museum of musical instruments)External link
- the CINEMATEKExternal link
- the interactive exhibition on BrusselsExternal link
- the Brussels Centre for Fine Arts (Bozar)External link
- the Toys Discovery MuseumExternal link
You can also immerse yourself in the past at Musée BELvueExternal link (history of Belgium), the Palais de Charles de LorraineExternal link (18th century), which belongs to the Royal Library of BelgiumExternal link and the CoudenbergExternal link archaeological site (former palace of Charles V).
There is a large variety of museums in imposing buildings in Parc du Cinquantenaire. They include:
- the CinquantenaireExternal link Museum (art and archaeology from five continents)
- the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and of Military HistoryExternal link
- AutoworldExternal link
Typically Brussels, typically Belgian
Comic strips
What could be more Belgian than comic strips? Brussels is home to no fewer than four comic strip museums:
- the Belgian Comic Strip CenterExternal link
- the Maison de la bande dessinée (FR)External link
- the Marc Sleen MuseumExternal link (one of the biggest names in Flemish comics)
- MooF (FR/NL)External link (Museum of Original Figurines).
Art nouveau
Brussels is also the art nouveau capital of the world.
The Museum of Musical InstrumentsExternal link and the Belgian Comic Strip CenterExternal link are housed in art nouveau masterpieces. You can also visit art nouveau mansions like Maison CauchieExternal link. You should also reserve some time to take in the Museum of Architecture - La LogeExternal link.
Gourmet
Gourmets will appreciate Belgium’s celebrated chocolate and famous beers.
Beer enthusiasts will want to head for:
- the Museum of Belgian BreweriesExternal link on Grand-Place
- the Brussels Gueuze MuseumExternal link
- the Schaerbeek Beer MuseumExternal link
If you prefer chocolate, get yourself along to the Museum of ChocolateExternal link or one of the many chocolatiers in the city, such as Belgian Chocolate VillageExternal link.
Faraway lands brought within reach
Want to discover the world without leaving Brussels? Visit the Royal Museum for Central AfricaExternal link in Tervueren.
If your interested in other religions, try the Jewish Museum of BelgiumExternal link, the Museum of the Orthodox Church and the Museum of the Black Sisters and the Museum of Modern Religious ArtExternal link in the Basilica of Koekelberg.
Technology & industry
If you are fascinated by technical advances technical advances and traditional trades, you’ll love the Brussels Museum of Industry and Labour: La Fonderie (FR/NL)External link, the Museum of Old TechniquesExternal link in Grimbergen, the Pixel MuseumExternal link, the Belgian Museum of RadiologyExternal link, the Tram MuseumExternal link and many more.
Nature and the open air
If you like being out in the open air, Brussels has a treat in store for you.
- the Museum of Natural SciencesExternal link
- the National Botanical Garden of BelgiumExternal link at Meise
- the Brussels PlanetariumExternal link
- the Jean Massart Botanical GardenExternal link (FR)
- the Garden of Medicinal Plants (FR)External link, which also houses the Garden of Sculptures (FR)
Aquarium of Brussels (Aquarium Museum or Aquatic Study Center)External link (Koekelberg) leads you on a trip along warm seas and continents with small species from all over the world.
Have you heard about these museums?
Brussels is also home to some very specialised museums that you will probably not find anywhere else. Have you heard about the Fencing Museum (FR)External link, the Museum of Spontaneous Art (FR)External link or the Museum of Fantastic Art (FR)External link ?
Good Brussels deals
- The Brussels Card gives you discounts on museum tickets and free public transport.
- The pages Leisure for free list all free activities in the capital.
- The Paspartoe (NL) is a voucher that gives Brussels residents a discount on tickets for some museums and cultural events.