Visiting Museums in Brussels

Information about the various museums in Brussels, including details of how to gain cheaper entry through discounted tickets, passes and vouchers...

The Brussels area has museums representing art, archaeology, local history, crafts, and cultural heritage. Opening hours can vary and are best checked with the local tourist office, or directly with the museum.

Museum Passes

Brussels Card

The Brussels Card has options for a 24, 48 or 72 hour pass. The pass provides free admission to 25 museums, plus discounts to restaurants, shops, tourist attractions and unlimited travel on public transport. The Brussels Card also comes with a free guidebook in three languages, explaining everything about the participating museums, with their opening hours and contact details.

Mont des Arts Pass

This pass is available for one day on Saturdays or Sundays, and gives access to the activities available from the Mont des Arts Museums and cultural institutions (usually exhibitions and concerts). Participating museums include the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, the BELvue Museum, and the Museum of Musical Instruments.

  • For further information from the Mont des Arts Association: Click here

Museums in Brussels

There are a great number of museums in Brussels. Here are just a few:

Royal Museums of Fine Arts

Founded two centuries ago, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts are home to twenty thousand paintings, sculptures and drawings. The treasures of the museums include works by Bosch, Bruegel, Cranach, Memling, Jordaens, Rubens, Delveaux and Magritte. The museums consist of the Ancient Art Museum (housing works from the 15th to the 17th century), the Modern Art Museum (housing 19th and 20th century collections), the Weirtz Museum and the Meunier Museum.

BELvue Museum

The BELvue Museum is located next to the Royal Palace and is the official museum of the Belgian Dynasty. The site includes the King Baudouin Memorial and remains of the Palace of Emperor Charles. The exhibitions are themed around the reigns of each of the country's 12 monarchs.

  • BELvue Museum
    At:     Place des Palais 7, 1000 Brussels
    Tel: 07 022 04 92
    Open: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00-18:00 (June to September), 10:00-17:00 (October to May)

Horta Museum

Former home of the Art Nouveau architect, Victor Horta, the museum is dedicated to the unique style of the architect.

  • Horta Museum
    At:     Rue Américaine 25, 1060 Brussels
    Tel: 02 543 04 90
    Open: Tuesday to Sunday from 14:00-17:30
    email

Museum of Art and History

Art and history museum with over 650,000 items from ancient civilisations including Egypt, Persia and Greece. The museum provides an overview of international history, from prehistoric times until today, with many decorative arts, lace, tapestries, silverware and glassware on display from different civilisations from all over the world.

  • Museum of Art and History
    At:     Parc du Cinquantenaire 10, 1000 Brussels
    Tel: 02 741 72 11
    Open: Monday to Friday from 09:30-17:00, weekends and public holidays from 10:00-17:00

Gueuze Museum - Cantillon Brewery

This working museum and family brewery is owned and operated by the Van Roy-Cantillon family. In operation since 1900, Lambic, Gueuze, Kriek and Faro are made here. Tours and tastings are available all year round, and visitors can watch the brewing and bottling process.

  • Gueuze Museum
    At:     rue Gheude 56, 1070 Brussels
    Tel: 02 521 49 28
    Open: Monday to Friday from 08:30-17:00, Saturday 10:00-17:00

Further Information