Ready to check out all of the very best museums in Brussels?
If so then you need this mega epic pro guide to the all of the best museums Brussels has to offer right now.
I mean, not only am I a self-proclaimed member of the nerd herd (that absolutely LOVES museums), but I have been to Brussels LOADS of times.
Therefore, I know exactly which Brussels museums are hot and which Brussels museums are most deffo not.
So, stop guessing when it comes to your weekend in Brussels and start using this wicked awesome pro guide to plan a trip for the ages.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.
My #1 pick 🏆 for the best museum in Brussels is the Magritte Museum. It has some super cool, totally weird art everyone will love ❤️.
Best Museums in Brussels
1. Design Museum Brussels
⭐️ Rating: 4.3/5.0 (4834 Reviews) Price: $18.11 Duration: 1 day 📍Meeting Point: Ticketing Pavillion at Atomium Operator: ATOMIUM Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
Naturally, you’ll be familiar with the Atomium – that unmistakable emblem of Brussels that doubles as one of the most unusual things to do in Brussels too.
This giant steel atom structure requires a bit of effort to get to from downtown. But it’s worth it to ride the elevators and enjoy the views.
Plus, when you buy admission to the Atomium, you’ll score free admission to the lesser-known Design Museum Brussels.
This attraction is right next door and explains more about the history of Atomium and how it was created for the 1958 World Fair.
“Many people say why should I go there? I thought the same. When I let it be like the Eiffel Tower is a landmark. then my decision was made. But the Atomium really surprised me in a positive way. Was great. I particularly liked the light display. It really is an insider tip and I would recommend everyone to go there. It is very well attended. Therefore book a card.”
Anonymous (read more reviews now)
Furthermore, the Design Museum showcases a permanent exhibition of around 2,000 plastic objects.
Alongside these, you’ll find rotating special exhibits about modern design trends that make this one of the best museums in Brussels. It’s funky and kooky, and not at all overwhelming.
Provided you buy this Atomium entry ticket, you’ll get to tap on a side trip to one of the best museums in Brussels for free.
Address: Trade Mart Brussels, Belgiëplein 1, 1020 Brussel
Hours: Open daily from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
Price: Free with Atomium ticket
How to Get There: Take line 6 to Heysel station and walk from there.
2. Autoworld
⭐️ Rating: 4.6/5.0 (559 Reviews) Price: $16.03 per person Duration: 1 day 📍Meeting Point: Autoworld Operator: Autoworld Museum Brussels Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
Without planes, trains, and automobiles, travel to Belgium wouldn’t even exist. Therefore, we all should pay our respects to the transport engineers behind the expo at Autoworld.
But, this museum is dedicated to automobiles only (plus a few rogue motorcycles). So, the collections include a huge variety of vintage carriages, limousines, sports cars, and SUVs.
Initially, Autoworld started out as the private collection of the Mahy family and was centered on Belgian car brands.
These days, it’s a global affair spread across a permanent display of 250 cars plus temporary exhibits, making it one of the many cool museums in Brussels.
“Lack of recent cars but overall a very pleasant place to visit. Very nice brasserie, we were well received! If you’ve been there, I advise you to try the counter-filet, we were pleasantly surprised by the whole meal. Thank you to the young ladies of the shops for your warm welcome.”
Anonymous (read more reviews now)
And even if you’re not crazy about cars, this is one of the best museums in Brussels for a rainy day.
It’s a;sp fun to visit with kids (or James Bond fans) but adults will get just as much joy from seeing these gleaming machines as kids will.
However, because this is a popular attraction, you’ll want to scoop up a skip-the-line ticket to Autoworld in advance.
Address: 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Hours: Open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, except on Saturdays when they are open until 6:00 pm.
Price: $16.03 per person
How to Get There: Take line 1 to Montogomery and walk from there.
3. Brussels City Museum
Super convenient for the first-time visitor, Brussels City Museum is located in Grand Place and is the perfect addition to any 2 day Brussels itinerary.
See, this is one of the best museums in Brussels for deep diving into the city’s architecture and art. Plus, you get free admission when you pick up the Brussels City Card.
Here, the emphasis is on how the capital was built and influenced over the centuries. So, collections will walk you through building styles and motifs that shaped the development of Brussels.
Among these, you’ll see replica models of the city, church relics, tapestries, and ceramics.
Plus, the Brussels City Museum houses the closet of Manneken Pis, as well as the real statue itself.
Yeah, the one that you see on the street is a replica. However, in case you’re not in the know, Manneken Pis is the city’s mascot: a young boy peeing into a fountain.
Supposedly, his quick thinking (or urgent need to use the restroom) spared Brussels from a major fire.
And, Manneken Pis is frequently seen sporting a new garment. In fact, GardeRobe at Brussels City Museum stores the costume archive.
So, seeing the statue on Rue de l’Etuve is another must if you’re only spending a day in Brussels.
Pro Tip: Visit the first Sunday of the month to enjoy free admission. You can also stop by between 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm to ask local guides more questions about the exhibits.
I did this and got a lot of really great info.
Address: Grote Markt van, 1000 Brussel
Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Price: €10.00 per person.
How to Get There: Take line 1/5 to Centrale station and walk from there.
4. Musée Fin-De-Siècle
⭐️ Rating: 4.7/5.0 (78 Reviews) Price: $12.57 per person Duration: 1 day📍Meeting Point: Fin-de-Siècle Operator: Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
For one of the best art museums in Brussels, look no further than Musée Fin-De-Siècle.
In English, this is the Museum of the Turn of the Century. It covers the period in the early 1900s when Brussels found itself at the center of European Art Nouveau.
As such, the showrooms are flooded with paintings, watercolors, sculptures, and decorative objects that stand in testament to this alluring movement, making this one of the most famous museums in Brussels.
Essentially, you’ll see creations by Alphonse Mucha, Constantin Meunier, James Ensor, Henri Evenepoel, and Georges Minne.
Furthermore, there are several chairs from Victor Horta in the furniture galleries too. Yeah, this was my personal fave part of the museum.
“An incredibly large and impressive collection. I was particularly impressed by the paintings of Belgian Impressionism and Symbolism, even though I didn’t know any of the artists before. You should bring plenty of time – ideally 3 hours per museum.”
Dennis (read more reviews now)
Listen up: you’ll want to buy admission in conjunction with the Old Masters Museum.
See, this combo Musée Fin-De-Siècle and Old Masters Museum entry ticket covers both and saves you a pretty penny.
Just be aware that both of these top museums in Brussels sit under the umbrella of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.
Address: Rue de la Régence 3, 1000 Bruxelles
Hours: Open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday/Sunday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Price: €10.00 per person
How to Get There: Take line 2/6 to Trone station and walk from there.
5. Old Masters Museum
⭐️ Rating: 4.7/5.0 (78 Reviews) Price: $12.57 per person Duration: 1 day📍Meeting Point: Old Masters Museum Operator: Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
Now, you’ll also earn admission to the Old Masters Museum with your Musée Fin-De-Siècle ticket.
And the clue to what this museum is all about is in the name.
See, this is one of the best museums in Brussels for discovering pieces by legendary European artists that were active between the 15th and 18th centuries.
Specifically, the exhibition hones in on those hailing from the Southern Netherlands.
Therefore, you’ll find masterpieces by none other that Rogier van der Weyden, Petrus Christus, Hans Memling, Hieronymus Bosch, Lucas Cranach, Peter Paul Rubens, Anthony van Dyck, and Jacques Jordaens.
“The Beaux arts museum in Brussels is truly remarkable, above all for the works of Flemish masters of the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries.”
Anonymous (read more reviews now)
Although, it’s the collection of Pieter Bruegel the Elder that really brings in the crowds.
See, crucial pieces include The Fall of the Rebel Angels and The Census at Bethlehem. So, both are must-sees when you’re uncovering the best museums to visit in Brussels.
However, if that’s not enough to sustain you then you can always enjoy the fact that this is one of the most beautiful Beaux-Arts galleries in Brussels.
Address: Rue de la Régence 3, 1000 Bruxelles
Hours: Open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday/Sunday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Price: €10.00 per person.
How to Get There: Take line 2/6 to Naamsepoort station and walk from there.
6. Magritte Museum
⭐️ Rating: 4.3/5.0 (699 Reviews) Price: $12.63 per person Duration: 1 day 📍Meeting Point: Magritte Museum Del Colosseo 24 Operator: Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
Yet another institution within the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, the Magritte Museum is devoted to the surrealist artist, René Magritte.
Born in 1898, Magritte’s mind-boggling pieces include The Son of Man, The Lovers, and The False Mirror.
Honestly, even without being an art historian, his work is a total joy to see with the naked eye.
Plus, this gallery contains an astounding 230 original pieces and is fleshed out with photography and films too.
“Really interesting art. Worth seeing. Setting up the exhibition is difficult – there is a bottleneck at the beginning on the upper floors because there is information there that visitors want to read. This causes the entrance to be ‘blocked’. It wasn’t particularly busy when we were there – I don’t want to experience that when it is full.”
Martin (read more reviews now)
In addition to being one of the best art museums in Brussels, Musée Magritte is one of the most famous galleries in Belgium.
For that reason, you’ll want to buy your Magritte Museum entry ticket weeks in advance.
Pro Tip: Of all the galleries on this list, Musée Magritte should be at the very top of your list.
Plus, it’s well-curated with bilingual signage as well as audio guides to help you better understand what you’re seeing.
Address: Pl. Royale 1, 1000 Bruxelles
Hours: Open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday/Sunday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Price: €10.00 per adult.
How to Get There: Take line 1/5 to Parc station and walk from there.
7. Horta Museum
Another cultural attraction where you know that you’re in for a good time is the Horta Museum. It is a treasure trove of works by Victor Horta.
See, this iconic Belgian architect and designer is credited with laying the groundwork for the iconic Art Nouveau movement.
So, what makes this one of the best museums in Brussels is that it’s housed in his former residence and workshop.
As a result, it’s an immersive experience with an atmosphere that differs from your classic gallery.
Although, by the end of your visit, you’ll be dying to refurbish your home with stained glass and swirly banisters.
Local Tip: Purchase this exclusive Art Nouveau Pass. For a bargain price, you’ll be able to visit the Horta Museum as well as two other Brussels museums of your choice.
These are the Comics Art Museum, Hôtel van Eetvelde, Wolfers Frères Stores, Autrique House, Cauchie House, Hannon House, and the Musical Instruments Museum.
FYI, all of these famous museums in Brussels have links to Horta himself or his disciples.
Address: Rue Américaine 27, 1060 Bruxelles
Hours: Open Tuesday through Friday from 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm and Saturday/Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:30 pm.
Price: €12.00 per adult.
How to Get There: Take tram 81 or 97 to Janson and walk from there.
8. Musical Instruments Museum
Now, the Musical Instruments Museum is one of the coolest museums in Brussels that is available if you purchase a nifty Art Nouveau Pass.
This is also another of the best museums in Brussels that is affiliated with the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.
A flagship building from the heyday of Art Nouveau, this girded steel and glass edifice was designed by architect Paul Saintenoy in 1899.
Back then, it was the Old England department store. However, MIM has occupied the space since the 1990s.
Essentially, the museum explains the role played by Brussels in the evolution of making musical instruments.
For example, you’ll find out how the Belgian musician Adolphe Sax masterminded the saxophone and see a lot of really old and super cool instruments.
What’s especially rad is that the exhibition is accompanied by audio samples of most of the instruments. So, it’s a lovely place to spend a few hours and you’ll see instruments you didn’t even know existed.
Just be sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore since it took me between 2-3 hours to explore all of this museum.
Address: Rue Montagne de la Cour 2, 1000 Bruxelles
Hours: Open Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday/Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Price: €15.00 per adult
How to Get There: Take line 1/5 to Parc station and walk from there.
9. Comics Art Museum (Belgian Comic Strip Center)
So, the Comics Art Museum (Belgian Comic Strip Center) is another great place where you can use your Art Nouveau Pass.
It’s also place where you can learn about the fact that more than half of the comics you read as a kid hailed from Belgium. So, that includes Tintin, Asterix, Obelix, Lucky Luke, and the Smurfs!
Therefore, a comic is therefore one of the most unique souvenirs from Belgium.
Now, during your visit you’ll find original comic artwork on display inside a stunning Art Nouveau warehouse designed by Victor Horta near the Botanical Garden.
As a result, this is one of the best museums in Brussels for exploring with a mix of mediums. It’s a fun, super interactive place that is great for kids.
Pro Tip: Download the free Belgian Comic Strip Center Augmented Reality app before you go for an even more thrilling experience.
Also, check out if they holding one of their regular sketching workshops coming during your trip.
Address: Rue des Sables 20, 1000 Bruxelles
Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Price: €13.00 per adult.
How to Get There: Take line 2/6 to Botanique station and walk from there.
10. Art & History Museum
⭐️ Rating: 4.4/5.0 (17 Reviews) Price: $10.70 per person Duration: 1 day 📍Meeting Point: Art and History Museum Operator: Royal Museums of Art and History Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
The Art & History Museum is one of the best museums in Brussels Cinquantenaire Park.
FYI, this is where you’ll also find Autoworld so you can easily visit both at the same time.
Now, this is a humongous museum that requires at least two hours to visit – or more if you’re a hardcore historian.
So, in addition to showcasing pivotal moments from Belgian history, this place has scores of items from across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
“Very beautiful and large museum with rich collections of Flamingo and Brabant art. very beautiful and also large parts dedicated to the 4 corners of the world. we were thrilled!!”
Anonymous (read more reviews now)
They even have mummies from Ancient Egypt and moai statues from Easter Island.
Additionally, much of the collection is from the Middle Ages but pieces go back as far as the 10th century and as recently as the Art Deco era.
Here, you’ll see a mix of mediums that include glassware, pottery, mosaics, and decorative arts.
Despite its immensity, this is a cheap museum since skip-the-line admission to the Art & History Museum is a steal at $10.
Pro Tip: The entrance can be tricky to find. Just follow the signs and remember that it is on the opposite side of the building from Autoworld.
Address: Parc du Cinquantenaire 10, 1000 Bruxelles
Hours: Open Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday/Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Price: €10.00 per adult
How to Get There: Take line 1 to Montogomery station and walk from there.
11. Museum Halle Gate (Porte de Hal)
⭐️ Rating: 5.0/5.0 (1 Reviews) Price: $7.49 per person Duration: 2 hours 📍Meeting Point: Museum Halle Gate Operator: Royal Museums of Art and History Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
Admire the last surviving gate in the capital at one of the best museums in Brussels for a medieval experience.
See, Museum Halle Gate is located at the namesake portal, built in the 14th century. Back in the day, it granted access to the fortified medieval city
Now, your Museum Halle Gate entry ticket is super cheap and includes an audio guide (and the crowd goes wild!!! HOORAY!).
“Great all round view over the city from the top, audio recordings for the exhibits in multiple languages. Free storage for your backpack or anything at the entrance. For a student the entrance is only 3€.”
Botund (read more reviews now)
To be honest, you could just visit the gate from the park and snap some photos. But, it’s worth visiting the museum and seeing the exhibited relics inside.
Yeah, this awesome pieces of history guide you through the significance of the gate and how it formed part of the stronghold that kept the Flemish city safe.
Plus, only by paying the admission do you get to scope out the panoramic views from the battlements and act out all of your very own Robin Hood fantasies.
Address: Porte de Hal, Bd du Midi 150, 1000 Bruxelles
Hours: Open Monday through Thursday from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday/Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Price: Adults are €7.00 each.
How to Get There: Take line 2/6 to Porte de Hal station and walk from there.
12. BELvue Belgium History Museum
⭐️ Rating: 5.0/5.0 (7 Reviews) Price: $10.70 per person Duration: 1 day📍Meeting Point: BELvue Museum Operator: BELvue Museum (King Baudouin Foundation) Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
Learn a little bit more about Belgian history and contemporary society at the BELvue Museum. See, this is one of those one-size-fits-all museums in Brussels.
First up, the museum is contained within the neoclassical Hôtel Belle-Vue. So, this snazzy, 18th-century townhouse is just as grand as the Royal Palace (if a smidge more compact).
Secondly, the complex is neatly organized into seven themed expos. These are democracy, prosperity, solidarity, pluralism, migration, language, and Europe.
“Amazing experience. I did not know about it, found it by chance since the palace are was closed, but it was the best introduction to the history and situation of both the city and the country. So complete and interactive.”
Carla (read more reviews now)
Among the palatial rooms, you’ll encounter objects, newspaper clips, sound bites, and so much more – making this one of my personal picks for the best museums in Brussels.
Thirdly, you’ll be shocked to hear how many household objects have their roots in Belgium. Like, I for one had no idea that the incandescent lamp was invented in Belgium before I visited.
Plus, the museum has both an audio or tour guide and lots of kid-friendly elements.
So, thhis is another budget-friendly museum in Brussels that everyone will love.
Therefore, buy your BELvue Belgium History Museum entry ticket pronto to avoid getting turned away.
Address: Pl. des Palais 7, 1000 Bruxelles
Hours: Open Monday through Friday from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday/Sunday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
Price: €5.00 per adult.
How to Get There: Take line 1/5 to Parc station and walk from there.
13. KBR Museum at the Royal Library Of Belgium
⭐️ Rating: N/A Price: $11.77 per person Duration: 1 day 📍Meeting Point: The Royal Library of Belgium Operator: KBR Museum Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
It goes without saying that the Royal Library Of Belgium is one of the best museums in Brussels for bibliophiles.
Now, Brussels once belonged to the Dukes of Burgundy. So, these culture vultures amassed a great big hoard of rare manuscripts and miniatures.
Many of these were fashioned in the 15th century and the preservation that goes into them is astounding.
“Best museum on handwritten books with marvelous exhibits. Truely one of a kind. Also well designed for children, but they better can read already to have the full experience.”
Christian (read more reviews now)
However, due to the delicacy of the collection, access to the KBR Museum is only permitted with a guided tour.
So, over the course of this 1.5-hour-long activity, you will tour the library, hear anecdotes about the dukes, and view the illuminated manuscripts.
Furthermore, you have the option to design your own miniature or test your book-sleuthing skills with a neat digital bracelet.
And, it’s a pretty exclusive affair so you need to pre-book your KBR Museum tour way ahead of time.
Address: Mont des Arts 28, 1000 Bruxelles
Hours: Open daily, except Monday, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Price: Starts at €11.00 per adult.
How to Get There: Take line 1/5 to Centrale station and walk from there.
14. Museum of Natural Sciences
Get up close with dinosaurs (well, what’s left of them) at the Museum of Natural Sciences.
Obviously, this is one of the most family-friendly museums in Brussels.
But, we all have a big kid inside who can’t help feeling spellbound by these giant bird-like lizards.
Now, The Dinosaur Gallery (the largest of its kind in Europe) contains carbon-dated skeletons of an iguanodon, plateosaurus, t-rex, and more.
Plus, you’ll see the Mont-Dieu meteorite and minerals from the earth’s crust. Yup, feel free to be duely impressed.
In addition, the museum hosts exciting special exhibitions. Currently, they have one that looks at the 11 giants that lived on Earth after the dinosaurs went extinct.
These include Otodus megalodon, the largest shark ever recorded, and Gigantopithecus blacki – an Asian monkey who was the sizw of three orangutans.
All in all, this is an awesome natural history museum that is perfect for science nerds like me.
Plus, the Brussels City Card includes free admission to the Museum of Natural Sciences.
Address: Rue Vautier 29, 1000 Bruxelles
Hours: Open Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday/Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Price: €13.00 for adults.
How to Get There: Take bus 34/80/NO6 to Museum and walk from there.
15. Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History
Another museum in the Cinquantenaire Park, this an option to throw in the hat alongside Autoworld and the Art & History Museum.
Now, the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History is all about warcraft. Yeah, not my thing but some people love this sort of thing.
See, this is one of the best museums in Brussels for those interested in the progression of military equipment. Here, items include medieval suits of armor, swords, tanks, and aircraft.
Essentially, the venue is divided into themed galleries including the Navy, the Russian Gallery, the French Empire, and Antarctica.
Of course, the Aviation Hall is the pinnacle. This contains hot air balloons, the Spitfire, the Tiger Moth, and the Dakota.
Note, this gallery is undergoing maintenance and you’ll need to check the latest news before you visit if you want to see it since it is kind of sort of the best part of the museum.
Plus, visiting this Brussels museum has the added perk of giving you access to the panoramic terraces on top of the Triumphal Arch. Plus, it’s free to visit with the Brussels City Card.
Address: Parc du Cinquantenaire, 1000 Bruxelles
Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Price: €11.00 per adult.
How to Get There: Take line 1 to Montgomery station and walk from there.
16. Museum of Original Figurines (MOOF)
One of the best museums in Brussels for eclectic tastes, “MOOF” is all about comics, figurines, and collectibles.
Yup, the Museum of Original Figurines contains everything from Stormtroopers to model towns and superheroes.
And, there are loads of Tintin figurines and comics to pore over. Actually, comics – the Ninth Art – get a lot of attention at one of the most unique museums in Brussels.
Plus, a lot of the figurines are lifesize which lots of selfie potential.
Essentially, MOOF is the private collection of the local collector, Eric Pierre. However, it’s curated for amateurs and connoisseurs of all ages.
Furthermore, the collection rotates every six months to keep it fresh for repeat viewers.
Plus, admission to MOOF is free when you roll up with your Brussels City Card in hand.
Address: Rue du Marché aux Herbes 116, 1000 Bruxelles
Hours: Open Friday through Monday from 10:30 am to 6:00 pm.
Price: €14.00 per adult.
How to Get There: Take line 1 or 5 to Centrale station and walk from there.
17. Constantin Meunier Museum
Now, the Constantin Meunier Museum is one of the most off-the-beaten-track museums in Brussels.
That’s because it’s located in Ixelles which is a bit of a detour away from the classic landmarks of Brussels.
Now, Musée Meunier is the former house and studio of Constantin Meunier.
This multi-talented artist, painter, sculptor, and draftsman relocated to Ixelles from Etterbeek and remained in this dwelling until he died in 1905.
Much of his work was influenced by his observations of the social and industrial revolutions he experienced.
And, his paintings and sculptures are an example of Realist art. As a result, it’s a moving experience that’ll evoke all kinds of emotions.
Seeing as it is part of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, the curation is exemplary.
Plus, Meunier is less well-known than other Belgian artists and therefore it’s a fascinating addition to your itinerary and great away to escape the crowds after hunting down the best waffles in Brussels.
This is also one of the best free museums in Brussels since it won’t cost you a dime to take a look inside.
Address: Rue de l’Abbaye 59, 1050 Ixelles
Hours: Open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 12:45 pm to 5:00 pm.
Price: Free
How to Get There: Take bus 38 to Van Eyck and walk from there.
18. Museum of Illusions
One of the most unusual museums in Brussels, the Museum of Illusions is a sensory experience for adventurers.
I mean, it’s pretty explanatory: you’ll step into a mind-boggling realm of visual tricks, creative mirrors, and puzzling scenarios.
Of course, you’ll want to take this one with a pinch of salt. It’s designed to be fun and silly, so you’ll need a sense of humor. Therefore, don’t show up at MOI expecting a high-brow experience.
But, your brain will get a full workout as you explore the museum. Furthermore, the exhibition is designed for groups of all ages.
So, it’s totally kid-friendly. Although it’s curated for adults of all generations.
Now, this is a museum where you’ll want to come prepared with a fully charged phone and ample storage for photos since you’ll want to take plenty of silly selfies along the way.
It also does get busy. Therefore, you’ll want to visit MOI early in the day to avoid the crowds.
Address: Rue du Fossé aux Loups 18, 1000 Bruxelles
Hours: Open Thursday through Tuesday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Price: €14.50 per adult.
How to Get There: Take line 1/5 to De Brouckere station and walk from there.
19. BOZAR Centre For Fine Arts
Now, the BOZAR cultural center is a one-stop-shop for fine arts, music, and film. Plus, it’s centrally located near Brussels Park and has a packed schedule of events all year round.
Seeing as the concert hall is a work of art and has world-class acoustics, it’s worth seeing if there’s a classical performance on during your visit.
Otherwise, you can swing by the exhibition venue and visit solo or with an expert guide.
Exhibitions cover Belgian artists and movements as well as European and international creators. For example, recent special exhibitions have looked at Spanish and Georgian art.
Furthermore, BOZAR hosts debates, talks, and meet-the-artist spotlights. Ultimately, whether you visit will depend on what’s on the schedule during your trip to Brussels.
Address: Rue Ravenstein 23, 1000 Bruxelles
Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Price: Varies
How to Get There: Take line 1/5 to Centrale station and walk from there.
20. CINEMATEK
Movie buffs and film fanatics, unite because CINEMATEK is one of the best museums in Brussels for motion picture lovers.
See, the lab at this place has been preserving negatives and copies of films since 1938. Essentially, the team restores the analog films and backs them up via digital means.
In total, the CINEMATEK library stocks 5,000 international magazines, 60,000 books, and 800,000 photos.
And, they have over 3,000,000 press clippings, posters, festival catalogs, and film scripts too.
Now, the exhibition venue hosts a permanent display of cinematic history. This covers Chinese shadow and the cinematography of the French Lumière brothers.
Additionally, CINEMATEK puts on special exhibitions that rotate regularly, making this a great place to go even if you’ve been to Brussels multiple times, like me.
Plus, the cinema actually holds screenings every day – sometimes with live piano music to accompany the film.
You can also buy tickets online or at the box office, making this an awesome date night in Brussels.
Address: Rue Baron Horta 9, 1000 Bruxelles
Hours: Open Monday through Wednesday and Friday from 5:30 pm, Thursday/Sunday from 2:30 pm, and Saturday from 4:30 pm
Price: A standard ticket is €6.00
How to Get There: Take line 1/5 to Parc station and walk from there.
My #1 pick 🏆 for the best museum in Brussels is the Magritte Museum. It has some super cool, totally weird art everyone will love ❤️.
Map of the Best Museums in Brussels
Best Museums in Brussels FAQs
What is the Most Important Museum in Belgium?
Devoted to the Belgian Surrealist artist René Magritte, the Magritte Museum (Musée Magritte) is one of the most important museums in Belgium.
Although, the other five museums that make up the collective Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium are crucial to understanding the country’s role in arts, culture, and history.
What is the Most Beautiful Part of Brussels?
At the heart of the city, the Grand Place is the most beautiful part of Brussels.
Nearby, the Mont des Arts stands out for its noble architecture, gardens, and sunset vistas.
What Free Museum is in Brussels?
A number of the best museums in Brussels offer free admission on the first Sunday or first Wednesday of the month.
Design Museum Brussels is free when you pay for admission to Atomium. The lesser-known Constantin Meunier Museum is always free.
And, if you buy the Brussels City Card you’ll score free access to 49 museums and cultural attractions.
What is Brussels Best Known For?
Brussels is known for its gastronomic smorgasbord of chocolate, waffles, fries, and beer.
It’s also the unofficial headquarters of the European Union and showcases an epic chronology of Flemish art, architecture, and design.
Landmarks pay homage to the Art Deco and Art Nouveau buildings that appeared at the turn of the 19th century.
There you have it! That just about wraps up this guide to the coolest museums in Brussels.
Tell me did your picks for the most unusual museums in Brussels make the list? If not the let me know now.
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