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Museums and exhibitions

There are no fewer than 80 museums in the Brussels-Capital Region. There’s always one you haven’t been to yet! Get ready to broaden your horizons.

Art and history

The Brussels museums are mainly concentrated in two neighbourhoods: Mont des Arts and Parc du Cinquantenaire.

Mont des ArtsExternal link is home to the big guns, including:

You can also immerse yourself in the past at Musée BELvueExternal link (history of Belgium), the Palais de Charles de LorraineExternal link (18th century), which belongs to the Royal Library of BelgiumExternal link and the CoudenbergExternal link archaeological site (former palace of Charles V).

There is a large variety of museums in imposing buildings in Parc du Cinquantenaire. They include:

Typically Brussels, typically Belgian

Comic strips

What could be more Belgian than comic strips? Brussels is home to no fewer than four comic strip museums:

Art nouveau

Brussels is also the art nouveau capital of the world. 

The Museum of Musical InstrumentsExternal link and the Belgian Comic Strip CenterExternal link are housed in art nouveau masterpieces. You can also visit art nouveau mansions like Maison CauchieExternal link. You should also reserve some time to take in the Museum of Architecture - La LogeExternal link.

Gourmet

Gourmets will appreciate Belgium’s celebrated chocolate and famous beers. 
Beer enthusiasts will want to head for:

If you prefer chocolate, get yourself along to the Museum of ChocolateExternal link or one of the many chocolatiers in the city, such as Belgian Chocolate VillageExternal link.

Faraway lands brought within reach

Want to discover the world without leaving Brussels? Visit the Royal Museum for Central AfricaExternal link in Tervueren.

If your interested in other religions, try the Jewish Museum of BelgiumExternal link, the Museum of the Orthodox Church and the Museum of the Black Sisters and the Museum of Modern Religious ArtExternal link in the Basilica of Koekelberg.

Technology & industry

If you are fascinated by technical advances technical advances and traditional trades, you’ll love the Brussels Museum of Industry and Labour: La Fonderie (FR/NL)External link, the Museum of Old TechniquesExternal link in Grimbergen, the Pixel MuseumExternal link, the Belgian Museum of RadiologyExternal link, the Tram MuseumExternal link and many more.

Nature and the open air

If you like being out in the open air, Brussels has a treat in store for you. 

Aquarium of Brussels (Aquarium Museum or Aquatic Study Center)External link (Koekelberg) leads you on a trip along warm seas and continents with small species from all over the world.

Have you heard about these museums?

Brussels is also home to some very specialised museums that you will probably not find anywhere else. Have you heard about the Fencing Museum (FR)External link, the Museum of Spontaneous Art (FR)External link or the Museum of Fantastic Art (FR)External link ?

Good Brussels deals

  • The Brussels Card gives you discounts on museum tickets and free public transport.
  • The pages Leisure for free list all free activities in the capital.
  • The Paspartoe (NL) is a voucher that gives Brussels residents a discount on tickets for some museums and cultural events.