Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and vibrant arts scene. The city’s museums are a testament to its illustrious past and dynamic present, offering visitors a deep dive into art, history, and culture. From ancient artifacts to contemporary art, Brussels’ museums provide an enriching experience for every visitor. Here are some of the best museums in Brussels that you shouldn’t miss, each with specific details about their collections, entrance fees, opening hours, and more.
The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium (Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique)
Location: Rue de la Régence 3, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Overview: The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium is a complex of six museums that together house an extensive collection of fine arts, ranging from the early Flemish masters to contemporary art. The main museums include the Oldmasters Museum, the Magritte Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art.
Key Highlights:
- Oldmasters Museum: This museum features a remarkable collection of paintings from the 15th to the 18th centuries, including works by Flemish masters such as Jan van Eyck, Rogier van der Weyden, and Pieter Bruegel the Elder. Highlights include Bruegel’s “The Fall of the Rebel Angels” and van Eyck’s “The Madonna with Canon van der Paele.”
- Magritte Museum: Dedicated to the works of the surrealist artist René Magritte, this museum houses the largest collection of Magritte’s works in the world. Key pieces include “The Empire of Light,” “The Return,” and “The Son of Man.”
- Museum of Modern Art: This museum’s collection spans the 19th and 20th centuries, featuring works by artists such as James Ensor, Paul Delvaux, and René Magritte. Highlights include Ensor’s “The Entry of Christ into Brussels” and Delvaux’s “The Sleeping Venus.”
- The Fin-de-Siècle Museum: Focused on the period from 1868 to 1914, this museum showcases works from the Art Nouveau movement and Belgian Symbolism. Notable artists include Victor Horta and Henry van de Velde.
Practical Information:
- Entrance Fee:
- 10 EUR for adults
- 7 EUR for students and seniors
- Free for children under 18
- Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Closed on Mondays
- Website: Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
The Atomium
Location: Square de l’Atomium, 1020 Brussels, Belgium
Overview: The Atomium, originally constructed for the 1958 Brussels World Expo, is one of Brussels’ most iconic landmarks. It functions as both a museum and a cultural space, offering exhibitions on science, design, and the history of the Atomium itself.
Key Highlights:
- Exhibition on the 1958 World Expo: This exhibition provides a historical overview of the 1958 World Expo, including photographs, artifacts, and multimedia displays that capture the spirit of the event and the creation of the Atomium.
- Permanent Exhibition: The permanent exhibition covers the history and construction of the Atomium, featuring models, blueprints, and interactive displays that explain the architectural and engineering challenges faced during its construction.
- Temporary Exhibitions: The Atomium hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions on topics related to science, design, and contemporary culture. Recent exhibitions have included “A Beautiful Tomorrow” and “From Klee to Frida Kahlo.”
- Panoramic Views: Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Brussels and beyond from the top sphere of the Atomium. The viewing platform offers a 360-degree view of the city, and there is also a restaurant where visitors can dine while taking in the scenery.
Practical Information:
- Entrance Fee:
- 16 EUR for adults
- 8.50 EUR for children (6-11 years)
- 14 EUR for seniors (65+)
- Free for children under 6
- Opening Hours:
- Daily: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Website: Atomium
The Magritte Museum (Musée Magritte)
Location: Rue de la Régence 3, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Overview: The Magritte Museum, part of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, is dedicated to the works of the surrealist artist René Magritte. The museum houses the largest collection of Magritte’s works in the world, offering a comprehensive look at his life and artistic career.
Key Highlights:
- Surrealist Masterpieces: The museum’s collection includes over 200 works by Magritte, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, and photographs. Key pieces include “The Empire of Light,” “The Lovers,” and “Golconda.”
- Personal Artifacts: The museum also features personal artifacts belonging to Magritte, such as letters, photographs, and objects that provide insight into his personal life and artistic process.
- Thematic Exhibitions: The museum organizes thematic exhibitions that explore different aspects of Magritte’s work and its influence on contemporary art. Recent exhibitions have included “Magritte and Contemporary Art” and “Magritte: The Mystery of the Ordinary.”
- Interactive Displays: The museum offers interactive displays and multimedia installations that engage visitors in the world of Magritte’s surrealism, providing a deeper understanding of his unique artistic vision.
Practical Information:
- Entrance Fee:
- 10 EUR for adults
- 7 EUR for students and seniors
- Free for children under 18
- Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Closed on Mondays
- Website: Magritte Museum
The Musical Instruments Museum (MIM)
Location: Rue Montagne de la Cour 2, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Overview: The Musical Instruments Museum (MIM) is part of the Royal Museums of Art and History and houses a vast collection of musical instruments from around the world. The museum is located in the Old England building, a stunning example of Art Nouveau architecture.
Key Highlights:
- Extensive Collection: The MIM’s collection includes over 8,000 instruments, ranging from ancient to contemporary. Highlights include the 17th-century harpsichord, the African thumb pianos, and the electronic theremin.
- Interactive Displays: The museum features interactive displays and audio guides that allow visitors to hear the sounds of the instruments on display. Visitors can listen to recordings of the instruments being played and learn about their history and cultural significance.
- Temporary Exhibitions: The MIM hosts temporary exhibitions that explore various aspects of music and musical instruments. Recent exhibitions have included “From Baroque to Rock” and “The Evolution of the Piano.”
- Concerts and Events: The museum regularly hosts concerts, workshops, and other events that showcase the diversity of musical traditions from around the world. Visitors can enjoy live performances and participate in hands-on activities.
- Panoramic View: The museum’s rooftop restaurant offers a panoramic view of Brussels, making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a meal or a drink after exploring the exhibits.
Practical Information:
- Entrance Fee:
- 15 EUR for adults
- 10 EUR for students and seniors
- Free for children under 18
- Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Closed on Mondays
- Website: MIM
The Belgian Comic Strip Center (Centre Belge de la Bande Dessinée)
Location: Rue des Sables 20, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Overview: The Belgian Comic Strip Center is dedicated to the history and art of comic strips, with a special focus on Belgian comics. The museum is housed in a beautiful Art Nouveau building designed by Victor Horta, and it offers a comprehensive look at the world of comics.
Key Highlights:
- Permanent Exhibition: The permanent exhibition traces the history of comic strips from their origins to the present day, featuring original drawings, manuscripts, and artifacts. Highlights include works by Hergé (creator of Tintin), Peyo (creator of The Smurfs), and André Franquin (creator of Spirou and Fantasio).
- The World of Tintin: This section is dedicated to the adventures of Tintin, one of the most famous comic characters in the world. The exhibit includes original drawings, models, and multimedia displays that bring Tintin’s adventures to life.
- The Smurfs: The museum also features an exhibit on The Smurfs, showcasing the history and impact of these beloved characters. Highlights include original artwork, merchandise, and interactive displays.
- Temporary Exhibitions: The Belgian Comic Strip Center hosts temporary exhibitions that explore various aspects of comic art and its cultural impact. Recent exhibitions have included “Women in Comics” and “Comics and Politics.”
- Comic Strip Library: The museum’s library offers a vast collection of comic books and graphic novels from around the world, providing a valuable resource for researchers, students, and comic enthusiasts.
Practical Information:
- Entrance Fee:
- 10 EUR for adults
- 7 EUR for students and seniors
- Free for children under 12
- Opening Hours:
- Daily: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Website: Belgian Comic Strip Center
The Royal Palace of Brussels
Location: Rue Brederode 16, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Overview: The Royal Palace of Brussels, the official palace of the Belgian monarchy, is open to the public during the summer months. It offers visitors a glimpse into the opulent world of the Belgian royal family and the history of the monarchy.
Key Highlights:
- State Rooms: The palace’s state rooms are beautifully decorated with lavish furnishings, chandeliers, and works of art. Highlights include the Throne Room, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Grand Staircase.
- Royal Collection: The palace houses a collection of art and artifacts that illustrate the history and heritage of the Belgian monarchy. Notable pieces include portraits of Belgian kings and queens, royal regalia, and gifts from foreign dignitaries.
- Temporary Exhibitions: During the summer opening, the palace hosts temporary exhibitions that explore various aspects of Belgian history and culture. Recent exhibitions have included “The Belgian Royal Family” and “Belgium and the World.”
- Royal Gardens: The palace’s gardens are beautifully landscaped and open to the public during the summer months. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the gardens and admire the beautiful flowerbeds, fountains, and sculptures.
Practical Information:
- Entrance Fee:
- Free for all visitors (during the summer opening)
- Opening Hours:
- Open to the public from July to September
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Closed on Mondays
- Website: Royal Palace of Brussels
Conclusion
Brussels’ museums offer a wealth of knowledge and inspiration, each with its unique focus and collection. Whether you’re fascinated by fine arts, captivated by surrealism, intrigued by musical instruments, or curious about comic strips, the city’s museums provide endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, Atomium, Magritte Museum, Musical Instruments Museum, Belgian Comic Strip Center, and Royal Palace of Brussels are just a few of the exceptional institutions that make Brussels a cultural capital. Make sure to visit these iconic museums and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of human achievement and history they so beautifully showcase.
