Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, boasts an impressive collection of museums that are not only visually stunning but also offer a wealth of knowledge and history. From nationally renowned art museums to quirky, offbeat spots, Brussels’ museums offer something for everyone. This post will take you on a journey through some of the best museums in Brussels, detailing their unique features and what makes them worth a visit. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply looking for a fun afternoon activity, this guide has got you covered. So pack your bags, put on your walking shoes, and get ready to discover the best museums Brussels has to offer.

The 5 Top Museums in Brussels

1. Choco Story the Chocolate Museum in Brussels
2. Brussels 44 Museums Atomium and Discounts Card
3. Visit the Choco Story Brussels Museum
4. Brussels Magritte Museum Entry Ticket
5. Brussels: 2.5-Hour Chocolate Museum Visit with Workshop

The 5 Top Museums in Brussels

1. Choco Story the Chocolate Museum in Brussels

Chocolate lovers rejoice! Experience the wonder of chocolate at the Choco-Story Chocolate Museum in Brussels. With this admission ticket, wander through the exhibition rooms at your own pace and learn about the rich history of chocolate and cocoa, as well as how chocolate is made from bean to bar. See a master chocolate-maker at work preparing pralines, and then indulge in a chocolate tasting. Perfect for all ages, this museum is wheelchair accessible and children must be accompanied by an adult. Book your ticket in advance to guarantee your visit to the Choco-Story Chocolate Museum in Brussels!

2. Brussels 44 Museums Atomium and Discounts Card

The Brussels Card offers a comprehensive package for museum lovers. It provides access to 49 museums including the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, Magritte Museum, Museum of Chocolate, Choco-Story, Belgian Comic Strip Center, all exhibitions at the Centre for Fine Arts BOZAR, and the Museum of Natural Sciences. With skip-the-line admission, you can explore the Atomium, which is an iconic symbol of Brussels. The card also gives you additional savings of up to 40% on other attractions, guided tours, shopping, dining, and other activities. The card is available for 24, 48, or 72 hours and comes with a full-color pocket guidebook in English, French, and Dutch, a city map, and a museum map. The card is activated when you scan it for the first time in a museum or in the Atomium, and there’s no need to book in advance. Discover the must-sees and hidden gems of the city’s museums with the Brussels Card.

3. Visit the Choco Story Brussels Museum

Journey into the history of cocoa and chocolate by visiting the Choco-Story Brussels museum. This immersive experience will take you on a tour of the origins of cocoa and how it turned into the finished product we know and love today, including its arrival in Europe and its impact on the world. This well-curated museum presents its exhibits through informative panels, illustrations, and videos, offering insights into the Aztec culture and how chocolate is made. During your visit, you will enjoy a demonstration by a master chocolatier on how to make artisanal pralines and have the opportunity to taste various types of chocolate to understand their composition better. The tour includes a museum entrance fee, tastings, and an audioguide available in Dutch, French, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, and Chinese. Guided tours are also available, and you can purchase chocolates in the gift shop to bring this delightful experience home with you.

4. Brussels Magritte Museum Entry Ticket

Visit the world’s largest collection of works by René Magritte at the Brussels Magritte Museum. Admire over 230 works and archives of the famous surrealist artist, including oil paintings, sketches, sculptures, posters, photographs, and films made by Magritte himself. Take a break at the on-site café and restaurant, and browse the impressive selection of posters, postcards, gifts, and books at the museum shop. Your admission ticket includes the entrance fee, booking fee, and the option for an audio or visual guide. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the surreal masterpieces of René Magritte during your visit to Brussels.

5. Brussels: 2.5-Hour Chocolate Museum Visit with Workshop

Learn about the rich history of cocoa and chocolate in the beautiful city of Brussels with a 2.5-hour chocolate museum visit and workshop. Discover the chocolate-making process with the help of a professional chocolatier and create your own personalized chocolates to take home. Enjoy chocolate tastings and watch a demonstration of Belgium’s famous artisanal pralines. You will also have the chance to explore the Choco-Story Brussels museum with your audio guide and learn about the fascinating history of chocolate in an interactive and fun way. The entrance fee, chocolate tastings, praline demonstration, chocolate making workshop, transportation, and guided tour are included in the package. Please note that this tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. You can also opt to book a virtual reality film for an additional cost of €5 at the cash register. Don’t miss out on this delicious experience during your visit to Brussels!

Most Frequently Asked Questions About the Museums of Brussels

Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is home to some of the most fascinating museums in Europe. From the Magritte Museum to the Museum of Natural Sciences, there’s something for every kind of art enthusiast. But with so many museums to choose from, you may have a few questions about which ones to visit and what to expect. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about the museums of Brussels.

1. What are the most popular museums in Brussels?

Brussels has an impressive array of museums that cater to a variety of interests. Here are some of the most popular museums that should not be missed:

Magritte Museum

The Magritte Museum pays homage to one of Belgium’s greatest artists, René Magritte. The museum contains more than 200 of Magritte’s works, including some of his most famous paintings such as “The Son of Man” and “The Treachery of Images.”

Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium

The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium is a collection of four different museums that showcase a variety of art styles. From the Old Masters Museum to the Museum of Modern Art, there’s a diverse range of art to explore.

Horta Museum

The Horta Museum is dedicated to the life and work of Victor Horta, a famous Belgian architect. The museum is set in Horta’s former home and features a collection of his furniture, sculptures and household objects.

2. Are there any free museums in Brussels?

Yes, there are quite a few free museums in Brussels. Here are a few worth checking out:

Museum of the Belgian Brewers

The Museum of the Belgian Brewers is a free museum that explores the history and making of beer in Belgium. The museum is located in the city center and offers visitors the chance to sample some of the country’s famous brews.

Belgian Comic Strip Center

The Belgian Comic Strip Center is a museum dedicated to Belgian comic strip art. The museum has a large collection of original comic strip art, including works by famous cartoonists such as Hergé, the creator of Tintin.

Fondation Jacques Brel

The Fondation Jacques Brel is a museum that pays homage to the life and work of Belgium’s greatest songwriter, Jacques Brel. The museum offers visitors the chance to listen to Brel’s music and learn about his life and times.

3. Can I skip the lines at the museum?

Yes, you can. Some museums in Brussels offer advanced bookings online. For instance, you can buy tickets online for the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium and avoid the long lines at the entrance. Additionally, some museums offer special tours that allow you to skip the lines altogether.

4. Are the museums open on Mondays?

Most museums in Brussels are closed on Mondays. Therefore, it’s important to check the opening hours of a museum before you plan your visit.

5. How can I get discounted tickets to museums in Brussels?

Most museums in Brussels offer discounts to students, seniors and groups. In addition, some museums partner with other cultural institutions to offer discounted or free admission. For example, if you have a Brussels Card, you can enjoy free admission to over 30 museums in Brussels, as well as discounts at various restaurants, shops and attractions.

How to Find the Best Museums in Brussels

Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is a city that is steeped in history and culture. With a rich heritage and a variety of museums, it is difficult to choose the best ones to visit. Luckily, this guide will help you navigate your way through the city and find the best museums in Brussels.

Step 1: Do Your Research

Before embarking on a museum tour in Brussels, it’s essential to do some research. You can start by conducting a search online to get an overview of the museums in the city. Make a list of the ones that interest you the most and check their websites for opening hours, ticket prices, and special exhibitions.

Step 2: Decide on Your Interests

Once you have your list of museums, decide which ones match your interests. There are several types of museums in Brussels, such as art museums, history museums, science museums, and many others. For example, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium is an art museum that houses a vast collection of works by the Flemish Masters, and the Museum of Natural Sciences is perfect for those interested in science and biology.

Step 3: Consider Budget and Time Constraints

Consider your budget and time constraints when choosing which museums to visit. Some museums have higher ticket prices than others, and some require a significant amount of time to explore properly. You can also opt for combination tickets or museum passes that allow you to visit multiple museums at a discounted price.

Step 4: Check Reviews and Get Recommendations

Check reviews of the museums you’re interested in to see what other visitors have to say. You can find reviews of Brussels museums on travel websites like TripAdvisor and Lonely Planet, or you can ask for recommendations from locals or friends who have visited the city before.

Step 5: Plan Your Route

Once you’ve chosen the museums you want to visit, plan your route. Take into account the location of each museum and their opening hours to ensure you have enough time to see everything you want. You can also group museums in the same area together to save on travel time.

Step 6: Make Reservations When Necessary

Some museums in Brussels require reservations for special exhibitions or events, so make sure to check the museum’s website beforehand. You can also call or email the museum to make a reservation.

Step 7: Enjoy Your Museum Tour

Finally, enjoy your museum tour in Brussels. Take the time to appreciate each museum’s unique offerings and immerse yourself in the history and culture of the city.

Conclusion

In conclusion, finding the best museums in Brussels requires a little bit of research, planning and a willingness to discover something new. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can make the most out of your museum tour in Brussels and discover the rich cultural history of this city. Remember, while these steps can guide you in the right direction, the best museums to visit in Brussels are ultimately up to personal preference.