Brussels, Belgium, has one of the largest, most diverse collections of museums in the world. At last count, the tourist information bureau endorsed nearly 90 local museums, with several smaller niche museums added to that number. Which ones deserve to be on your itinerary? These six Brussels museums are must-sees during your next stay in Brussels.
Magritte Museum – Tribute to Beloved Belgian Artist
Image via Flickr by Nikos Roussos
Even if you don’t know the name René Magritte, you’re bound to know the works of this iconic Belgian artist. His paintings of the green apple on the bowler hat and the wooden pipe cleverly inscribed “Ceci n’est pas une pipe” are beloved across the world. Surprisingly, the Magritte Museum celebrating his successes has been open only since 2009.
What to See
The museum has already earned critical acclaim. Sadly, some of the world’s galleries own some of Magritte’s most iconic works, but many pieces are here, arranged chronologically so visitors can witness his style evolve over time. These pieces complement letters and videos offering real insight into the man behind the art.
When to Visit
Magritte Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. The museum is closed Mondays and selected public holidays.
Admission
Standard admission costs €8. Seniors and adults in groups of 15 or more can visit for €5, while individuals ages 6 to 25, disabled visitors and their caregivers, the unemployed, and people working for minimum wage need only pay €2. Admission is free for children younger than 6 and for everyone visiting on the first Wednesday afternoon of each month.
Musical Instruments Museum – Celebration of Sound
The grand exterior of the art deco-styled Musical Instruments Museum makes a fine first impression, but this excellent museum has more than aesthetic appeal. The impressive collection of instruments covers the birth of music to modernity and all corners of the globe. Audio guides with musical samples help the instruments come to life. TripAdvisor awarded this museum its 2014 Traveler’s Choice award.
When to Visit
The Musical Instruments Museum is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends and some public holidays. It’s closed on Mondays and selected holidays.
Admission
Standard admission costs €8, but seniors can visit for €6. People ages 4 to 25, the disabled, and unemployed can visit for €2. Children up to 3 years can always visit for free, but everyone enjoys free entry beginning at 1 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month.
Autoworld – Car Lovers’ Paradise
Image via Flickr by denetsnuff
Car enthusiasts will flock to Autoworld, a museum showcasing more than 400 rare and vintage cars, including many owned by famous personalities. The collection includes iconic Belgian cars like Minervas and Germains, the Gala Carriage used when Napoleon III married Eugenie de Montigeot, and several limousines used by the Belgian royal family.
When to Visit
Autoworld is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays from April to September and on weekends. From October to March, Autoworld closes at 5 p.m.
Admission
Standard admission costs €9. Adult groups of 15 or more pay €7, the same price as seniors, students, and the disabled. Children ages 6 to 12 years pay €5, and admission is free for kids younger than 6. Explore independently, rent an audio guide for €2, or book a guided tour.
Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History – War Stories
Like Autoworld, The Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History is in Cinquantenaire Park, and tourists can easily spend the day checking out both institutions. You’ll need to start early though to maximize your visit.
What to See
The Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History is home to more than 100,000 artifacts charting the history of wartime in Europe. An impressive exhibition details the history of the Belgian Army and the military aircrafts housed in the aviation hall.
When to Visit
The Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends and school vacations. It’s closed on Mondays, election days, Christmas, and the first of January, May, and November. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences – Family-Friendly Natural History Museum
Image via Flickr by The Integer Club
Some museums may not be ideal for children. The little ones tend to get restless as they gaze at ancient artifacts they’re not allowed to touch. The Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences bucks the trends with interactive displays and exhibitions celebrating the natural world. All family members will love its dinosaur gallery, insects hall, and the fascinating BiodiverCITY.
When to Visit
The Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends and school vacations. It’s closed every Monday, Christmas, New Year’s Day, and May Day.
Admission
Adult admissions cost €7. Students, seniors, the disabled, and some groups are eligible for a €6 discounted entry. Admission for children ages 6 to 17 years is €4.50 with a paying adult. Admission is free for younger children, caregivers of the disabled, teachers, museum members, and everyone on the first Wednesday of the month after 1 p.m. Additional charges apply for temporary exhibitions.
The Brussels Gueuze Museum – All About Beer
The Brussels Gueuze Museum is an excellent museum housed in the Cantillon Brewery. Exhibits feature brewing equipment from the 19th and early 20th century, and displays show how to make Gueuze beer, a yeast-free variety dating back to the Middle Ages. Cantillon Brewery is the last remaining brewery producing Gueuze beer in Brussels.
When to Visit
The Brussels Gueuze Museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. It’s closed on Sundays and selected public holidays.
Admission
Adult admission costs €7 and includes a glass of beer.
Brussels museums abound in the city, so booking any of the hotels in the area will put you close to any one of these great cultural attractions.
Regardless of your interests, you’ll surely find what you’re looking for from a Brussels museum experience when you visit one or more of these outstanding Belgian museums.