Exploring the Best Museums in Brussels

Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is home to some of the world’s most renowned museums. From modern art galleries to traditional history collections, there is something for everyone in Brussels. Whether you want to explore the ancient artifacts of the Royal Museums of Art and History or get lost in the futuristic exhibits of the Magritte Museum, the city has it all. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best museums in Brussels and what they have to offer.

Royal Museums of Art and History

The Royal Museums of Art and History (RMAH) are a must-see for anyone visiting Brussels. Located in the Cinquantenaire Park, the museum complex is made up of four buildings, each dedicated to a different period of history. The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts from across the world, ranging from ancient Egyptian mummies to rare books. Highlights include the Egyptian Temple of Isis, the Hall of Arms, and the Grand-Hornu complex. The RMAH is also home to artwork from some of the greatest masters, including Rubens and van Dyck.

The museum complex is also home to the Royal Library, the largest library in Belgium. This vast collection of books covers a wide range of topics, from art and literature to science and technology. The library also houses the King’s Archives, a collection of documents and manuscripts related to the history of the Belgian monarchy.

The RMAH is a great place to learn about the history of Belgium and the art of its people. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Admission is free for children under the age of 18 and €7 for adults.

Magritte Museum

The Magritte Museum is dedicated to the life and work of the surrealist artist René Magritte. Located in the historic Rue de la Montagne, the museum houses an extensive collection of artwork from the artist’s lifetime. Visitors can explore the artworks of Magritte, as well as those of his contemporaries, such as Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso. The museum also offers a range of temporary exhibitions, lectures, and workshops.

The Magritte Museum is a great place to explore the surrealist movement and its influence on modern art. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Admission is €9 for adults and €4 for children under the age of 18.

Guided tours of the museum are also available for a fee. These tours provide a deeper insight into the life and work of Magritte, as well as the surrealist movement as a whole.

Museum of Natural Sciences

The Museum of Natural Sciences is one of the most popular museums in Brussels. Located in the Parc du Cinquantenaire, the museum houses a vast collection of specimens from around the world, including plants, animals, minerals, and fossils. The museum also offers a range of interactive exhibits, such as a virtual reality experience and a giant aquarium.

The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Admission is €7 for adults and €5 for children under the age of 18. Guided tours are also available for a fee.

Coudenberg Palace

The Coudenberg Palace is a former royal palace located in the heart of Brussels. The palace was the residence of the Belgian monarchy from the 17th century until the end of the 19th century. Today, the palace is home to a museum, which houses a collection of artifacts from the era. Visitors can explore the palace’s grand rooms, such as the Throne Room and the Banqueting Hall, as well as the palace’s extensive art collection. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Admission is €7 for adults and €3 for children under the age of 18.

Museum of Musical Instruments

The Museum of Musical Instruments (MIM) is one of the most unique museums in Brussels. Located in the Palais des Beaux-Arts, the museum houses a vast collection of musical instruments from across the world. Visitors can explore the museum’s many galleries, which feature instruments from different eras and cultures. Highlights include the world’s oldest harpsichord and a Stradivarius violin.

The museum also offers a range of interactive exhibits, such as a virtual reality experience and a sound lab. The MIM is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Admission is €8 for adults and €6 for children under the age of 18.

Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences

The Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (RBINS) is one of the oldest scientific institutions in the world. Located in the Palais des Beaux-Arts, the institute houses a vast collection of specimens from across the world, including plants, animals, minerals, and fossils. The institute also offers a range of interactive exhibits, such as a virtual reality experience and a giant aquarium.

The RBINS is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Admission is €7 for adults and €3 for children under the age of 18. Guided tours are also available for a fee.

Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium

The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium (RMFAB) are located in the historic Parc du Cinquantenaire. The museum complex is made up of four buildings, each dedicated to a different period of art. Highlights include the Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of Ancient Art, and the Museum of Decorative Arts. The complex also houses an extensive collection of artwork from some of the greatest masters, including Rubens and van Dyck.

The RMFAB is a great place to explore the art of Belgium and its people. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Admission is €7 for adults and €4 for children under the age of 18. Guided tours are also available for a fee.

Royal Palace of Brussels

The Royal Palace of Brussels is the official residence of the King of Belgium. Located in the historic Parc de Bruxelles, the palace is home to a museum, which houses a collection of artifacts from the era. Visitors can explore the palace’s grand rooms, such as the Throne Room and the Banqueting Hall, as well as the palace’s extensive art collection. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Admission is €15 for adults and €8 for children under the age of 18.

Belgian Comic Strip Center

The Belgian Comic Strip Center (BCSC) is a museum dedicated to the comic strip, the most popular art form in Belgium. The museum houses an extensive collection of comic strips from across the world, as well as interactive exhibits and a library. Highlights include a giant comic strip wall and a virtual reality experience. The BCSC is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Admission is €12 for adults and €7 for children under the age of 18.

Belgian Chocolate Museum

The Belgian Chocolate Museum (BCM) is a museum dedicated to the history and production of Belgian chocolate. The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts and interactive exhibits, such as a virtual reality experience and a chocolate-making workshop. The BCM is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Admission is €12 for adults and €6 for children under the age of 18.

Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History

The Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History (RMFMMH) is a museum dedicated to the history of the Belgian military. The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts, from ancient weapons to modern vehicles. Highlights include a virtual reality experience and a giant tank. The RMFMMH is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Admission is €7 for adults and €3 for children under the age of 18.

Conclusion

Brussels is home to a wide range of museums, offering something for everyone. Whether you want to explore the ancient artifacts of the Royal Museums of Art and History or get lost in the futuristic exhibits of the Magritte Museum, the city has it all. There is something to suit every taste and interest, from modern art galleries to traditional history collections. So why not take a trip to Brussels and explore some of the best museums in the world?