8 museums to visit during your stay in Brussels
Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the beating heart of Europe, is brimming with extraordinary cultural treasures. Among its many attractions, the city is home to a remarkable collection of museums that bear witness to its rich artistic, historical and scientific heritage. Whether you’re a fan of surrealist art, a vintage car enthusiast or curious about scientific discoveries, Visiter Bruxelles has unforgettable museum experiences in store for you. Here is our selection of the 8 must-see museums in Brussels that are absolutely worth a visit.
See also the Brussels guide:
- Brussels in 1 day: 25 things to do and see on foot
- Top 6 things to do in Brussels
- 20 not-to-be-missed excursions around Brussels
- Top 10 culinary specialities in Brussels
1. The Magritte Museum: a plunge into the world of surrealism
It’s impossible to visit Brussels without discovering the fascinating world of René Magritte! The Musée Magritte, located in the heart of the Mont des Arts, houses the world’s largest collection dedicated to the master of Belgian surrealism. Over an area of more than 2,500 m², you will discover more than 230 works and archives tracing Magritte’s artistic development, from his earliest drawings to his most emblematic masterpieces.
The museum presents a chronological and thematic approach to understanding the artist’s development and the influences that shaped his work. From iconic paintings such as “La Trahison des images” to lesser-known works from his “cow” period, each room reveals a different facet of Magritte’s creative genius. Don’t hesitate to extend your visit at the Museum Café for a gourmet break in an exceptional artistic setting.
Practical info: Rue du Musée 9, 1000 Brussels (open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, ticket price: €15). Let the Navaway itinerary be your guide as you explore the Belgian capital, taking you naturally to this cultural jewel.
2. The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
A true Brussels cultural institution, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium form a prestigious museum complex comprising six separate museums. The Old Masters Museum takes you on a journey through Flemish and Dutch art from the 15th to the 18th century, with masterpieces by Bruegel, Rubens and Van Dyck. The Museum of Modern Art, meanwhile, presents a remarkable collection of works from the 19th to the 21st century.
The Musée Fin-de-Siècle offers a unique perspective on the pivotal period between 1868 and 1914, illustrating the artistic effervescence that marked Brussels at that time. The architectural ensemble itself, with its majestic rooms and meticulous scenography, makes for a memorable visit. Allow at least half a day to properly explore these artistic treasures.
Practical info: Rue de la Régence 3, 1000 Brussels (open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, ticket price €15).
3. The Museum of Musical Instruments (MIM)
Housed in the magnificent Art Nouveau building of the former Old England shop, the MIM is one of Brussels’ finest museum surprises. This unique institution houses over 8,000 musical instruments, 1,200 of which are on permanent display. The tour, spread over four levels, takes you on a fascinating musical journey through continents and eras.
The audioguide included in the price of admission allows you to listen to the sound of many of the instruments on display, turning your visit into a real personal concert. From the section devoted to traditional European instruments to the rooms dedicated to world music, each area reveals the richness and diversity of the world’s musical heritage. Don’t miss the terrace-restaurant on the top floor, offering an exceptional panoramic view of Brussels.
Practical info: Montagne de la Cour 2, 1000 Brussels (open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, ticket price €13).
Download the audio tour to discover Brussels on foot and on your own
For the best possible experience of the Belgian capital, follow theBrussels audioguide itinerary, which will lead you naturally to these must-see cultural sites. This carefully designed route allows you to discover the city at your own pace, combining architectural heritage, historic sites and internationally renowned museums.
4. Autoworld: a journey through automotive history
Located in the prestigious halls of the Parc du Cinquantenaire, Autoworld is a paradise for classic car enthusiasts. This exceptional museum presents more than 300 historic vehicles, from the first cars of the late 19th century to contemporary Formula 1 racing cars. The collection, based on the exceptional holdings of the Mahy family, bears witness to the technological and aesthetic evolution of the automotive industry.
The tour is organised by theme and by era, providing a comprehensive overview of the history of the motor car. The section devoted to American cars from the 1950s-1970s, the areas dedicated to motor sport and Marcel Thiry’s collection of motorbikes are all highlights of this captivating visit. The grandiose architecture of the 1880 building adds a remarkable heritage dimension to this museum experience.
Practical info: Parc du Cinquantenaire 11, 1000 Brussels (open daily from 10am to 6pm, ticket price: €15). The Navaway itinerary will guide you to this emblematic site of Europe’s automotive heritage.
5. The Museum of Natural Sciences
The Brussels Museum of Natural Sciences fascinates visitors of all ages with its spectacular Dinosaur Gallery, the largest in Europe devoted entirely to these prehistoric giants. Covering more than 3,000 m², you’ll discover dozens of exceptional specimens, including the famous Bernissart Iguanodons, a major palaeontological discovery in the 19th century that revolutionised scientific knowledge of these extinct creatures.
As well as the dinosaur gallery, the museum has many other fascinating sections: the Human Evolution room, the areas devoted to contemporary biodiversity, and the mineralogy collections, which are among the richest in Europe. Interactive displays and regular events make the visit particularly attractive for families. The intelligent educational trail enables both novices and science enthusiasts to expand their knowledge in a fun and accessible way.
Practical info: Rue Vautier 29, 1000 Brussels (open Tuesday to Sunday, 9.30am to 5pm, ticket price €13).
6. The Belgian Comic Strip Centre
Housed in a superb Art Nouveau building designed by Victor Horta, the Belgian Comic Strip Centre (CBBD) celebrates the 9th art in all its forms. Belgium is considered to be the home of the European comic strip, with legendary creators such as Hergé, Franquin and Peyo, so this museum is a must-see if you want to understand this exceptional cultural wealth.
The permanent exhibition “A Century of Belgian Comics” traces the evolution of the medium from its origins to contemporary creations. You’ll discover the original plates, the creative process and the considerable influence of Belgian comics on world culture. The interactive areas offer an introduction to drawing and scriptwriting techniques, while the specialist bookshop offers a comprehensive overview of current production.
Practical info: Rue des Sables 20, 1000 Brussels (open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm, ticket price €10).
7. Train World: the Belgian railway epic
Train World, housed in the magnificent historic Schaerbeek station, is one of the most modern and impressive railway museums in Europe. With Belgium having developed the oldest railway network on the European continent, this museum retraces this technological and human epic through a spectacular scenography that blends historical heritage with cutting-edge immersive technologies.
The tour takes you from the first steam trains in the 19th century to today’s TGVs, via the electrification of the lines and the evolution of railway design. Period reconstructions, driving simulators and interactive areas offer a particularly rich and varied experience. The locomotive from the Pays de Waes and the royal carriages are exceptional pieces that bear witness to the refinement of the Belgian railway industry.
Practical info: Place Princesse Elisabeth 5, 1030 Schaerbeek (open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm, price: €15, rated 4.6/5 on Google out of 6173 reviews).
8. The AfricaMuseum in Tervuren
Located in Tervuren, about 30 minutes from Brussels, the AfricaMuseum is well worth a visit for its fresh approach to the cultures and civilisations of Central Africa. Completely renovated and redesigned, this museum now offers a contemporary and respectful vision of African history, far removed from the colonial clichés of the past. The 11,000 m² of exhibition space offers a captivating journey through the arts, traditions and history of this region of the world.
The permanent collections, presented in a modern, educational scenography, enable visitors to discover the cultural wealth of the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighbouring countries. Interactive workshops, particularly popular with young visitors, offer introductions to traditional instruments, crafts and African dances. The 205-hectare park surrounding the museum offers a pleasant walk to extend the visit.
Practical info: Leuvensesteenweg 13, 3080 Tervuren (open Tuesday to Friday 10am to 5pm, weekends 10am to 6pm, ticket price €13).
In conclusion, these 8 must-see museums in Brussels offer an exceptional panorama of the cultural and artistic wealth of the Belgian capital. From the surreal art of Magritte to the scientific collections of the Museum of Natural Sciences, from the railway world of Train World to the automotive treasures of Autoworld, each institution makes its own contribution to the cultural edifice of Brussels. To make the most of your visit to these exceptional sites, don’t hesitate to follow theNavaway audioguide itinerary, which will enable you to navigate easily from one site to the next while discovering the architectural and historical treasures along your route through the Belle d’Europe.
FAQ – Museums in Brussels
How long will it take to visit these museums?
Allow around 1? to 2 hours for each museum, depending on your pace and your interest in the themes on offer. For the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, allow half a day if you wish to explore several sections.
Are there any reduced rates available?
Most museums offer reduced rates for senior citizens, students and groups. On the first Sunday of each month, many Brussels museums offer free admission. Find out more about the Brussels Card, which can be very advantageous.
Are these museums accessible by public transport?
Yes, all these museums are easily accessible by public transport in Brussels. The metro, tram and bus network efficiently serves all these cultural sites. Train World in Schaerbeek is accessible by train from Brussels Central Station.
Can I visit several museums in one day?
It’s perfectly possible, especially for museums in the city centre such as the Magritte Museum and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, which are very close by. The Navaway itinerary helps you make the most of your journey between the capital’s various cultural sites.
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