11 must-see museums in Brussels
1. Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium (KMSKB/MRBAB)
The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium are a complex of several museums in Brussels: the Old Masters, the Fin de Siècle and Modern Museum, the Magritte Museum, the Wiertz Museum and the Meunier Museum.
Each of these museums contains artistic gems: paintings, sculptures and drawings from the 15th century to the present. Pieter Breughel, Peter Paul Rubens, Paul Delvaux, René Magritte, Ferdinand Khnopff,... all the great names of Belgian art are here.
How to get there: Museumstraat, 1000 Brussels. 500 m from Brussels-Central station. Tip: with the Discovery Ticket, you can travel to Brussels on a half-price return ticket.
2. Royal Military Museum, Parc du Cinquantenaire
The five large exhibition halls tell the story of 12 centuries of military history with uniforms, weapons, mediaeval armour, and even 130 aeroplanes. This museum pays special attention to the two World Wars, the darkest eras in Belgian history.
And the crowning touch: the fantastic panoramic view of Brussels from the Triumphal Arch (Arcade du Cinquantenaire) terraces.
How to get there: Parc du Cinquantenaire 3, 1000 Brussels. 400 m from Merode station.
3. Autoworld, Parc du Cinquantenaire
Autoworld is housed in one of the Parc du Cinquantenaire’s iconic halls. Admire over 300 automobiles grouped by theme, such as sport and competition, and discover the history of motor vehicles in Belgium.
How to get there: Parc du Cinquantenaire 11, 1000 Brussels. 350 m from Merode station. Tip: with the Discovery Ticket, you can travel to Brussels on a half-price return ticket.
4. BOZAR
At BOZAR, the Palace of Fine Arts, a full range of artistic activities awaits you. BOZAR is housed in an imposing Art Deco building designed by famous architect Victor Horta. Theatre performances and film showings, exhibitions of famous artists such as Raveel, Ridler, Van de Velde,... and concerts.
- How to get there: Rue Ravenstein 23, 1000 Brussels. 250 m from Brussels-Central station.
5. The Musical Instruments Museum (MIM)
The MIM is housed in the former ‘Old England’ department store, a gorgeous Art Nouveau building in the centre of Brussels. Its world-famous collection of over 8,000 musical instruments can be viewed on 4 floors. Discover the history of music in Belgium and overseas by means of visual and audio material, texts and instruments. What’s a hummel? Or a kit violin? It’s high time to find out!
How to get there: Montagne de la Cour 2, 1000 Brussels. 450 m from Brussels-Central station.
6. Train World
Come and find out all about the history of Belgian railways. Get to know splendid steam locomotives and lightning-fast high-speed trains. Have amazing interactive adventures in the wonderful world of trains.
How to get there: Place Princesse Elisabeth 5, 1030 Schaerbeek. Entrance via the former Schaerbeek station building. Tip: with the Discovery Ticket, you can travel to Schaerbeek on a half-price return ticket.
7. BELvue Museum
What is typically Belgian? Chips, chocolate, beer... and a great deal more! At the BELvue Museum, explore Belgium and its history via a unique take on 7 contemporary themes: democracy, welfare, solidarity, diversity, migration, languages and Europe. The gallery contains over 200 artefacts that constitute a material memory of Belgium. For instance: an etching by Magritte, a ball signed by national football team the Red Devils...
How to get there: Place des Palais 7, 1000 Brussels. 600 m from Brussels-Central station.
8. Porte de Hal Museum
On the small ring road, between Place Louise and Brussels-Midi station, you will find the Porte de Hal, one of the remnants of Brussels’ mediaeval past. The 600-year-old Porte de Hal used to be a part of the ancient city wall, and is its only surviving city gate. Explore Brussels’ centuries of history by following an interactive trail with historical artefacts and artworks. Climb the 169 steps to the top of the Porte de Hal for a fantastic panoramic view of the Belgian capital.
How to get there: Rue du Midi 150, 1000 Brussels. 700 m from Brussels-Midi station.
9. Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences Museum
Discover a wealth of natural treasures. The Dinosaur Hall, the largest in Europe, will take you back millions of years, to the time when these giants roamed the earth. Learn all about the history of the museum and its important discoveries and expeditions, and admire its unique collection.
How to get there: Rue Vautier 29, 1000 Brussels. 450 m from Brussels-Luxembourg station. Tip: with the Discovery Ticket, you can travel to the museum on a half-price return ticket.
10. Atomium
The Atomium is our national pride and a place you certainly shouldn't miss. A symbol of Belgium and Brussels, it was built for the 1958 World’s Fair. From its topmost ball, you can enjoy a spectacular view of our capital and its environs. The Atomium is also a venue for art and culture. Exhibitions themed around Belgium and digital art are organised there, with specially designed installations that immerse you in a dreamlike universe and stimulate all the senses.
How to get there: Place de l’Atomium 1, 1000 Brussels. 2.1 km from Bockstael railway station, or get off at Brussels-Midi and take Metro Line 6 in the direction of Roi Baudouin to Heysel.
11. The Comics Art Museum
The Comics Art Museum is housed in a fantastic Art Nouveau building by architect Victor Horta and an absolute must for comic-strip and graphic novel lovers. Go on an adventure with the Smurfs and Tintin, and explore the world of the ‘9th art’ through the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions.
How to get there: Rue des Sables 20, 1000 Brussels. 750 m from Brussels-Central station.
