Brussels is a city steeped in history and art, making it a prime destination for museum enthusiasts. From classic art to surrealism, history to science, Brussels offers museums for every interest. With so many options available, it can be tough to decide which museums to visit. Fear not, as we have put together a list of the best museums in Brussels, each one offering a unique experience that will delight both locals and tourists alike. So, without further ado, let’s take a closer look at what the city’s best museums have to offer.

The 5 Most Interesting 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 Most Interesting Museums in Brussels

1. Choco Story the Chocolate Museum in Brussels

Located in the heart of Brussels, Choco-Story the Chocolate Museum offers an immersive experience that explores the history of chocolate and how it’s made from bean to bar. With this admission ticket, you can explore the exhibition rooms at your own pace, learning about the origins of chocolate and cocoa, and see how it’s used in different cultures around the world. In addition, you can watch a master chocolate-maker prepare pralines and taste them for yourself. This ticket also includes food and drinks, making it a perfect visit for all chocolate lovers. The museum is wheelchair accessible and conveniently located near public transportation. This is a must-visit for anyone looking to discover the rich history and tantalizing flavors of chocolate in Brussels.

2. Brussels 44 Museums Atomium and Discounts Card

The Brussels Card provides access to 49 museums in the city, allowing you to skip the ticket line at Atomium, the city’s emblem. The card is available for duration of 24, 48 or 72 hours, and offers savings up to 40% on regular admission prices. 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, among others, are all included in the ticket price. In addition to museum access, the card includes a pocket guidebook in English, French and Dutch, as well as city and museum maps. Activation takes place upon scanning the card for the first time at a museum or the Atomium, and advance booking is not necessary.

3. Visit the Choco Story Brussels Museum

Journey through the story of chocolate at Choco-Story Brussels and explore the origins of cocoa and its transformation into chocolate. Explore informative panels and videos that explain the culture of cocoa, its use in society, and how it is made into chocolate. Admire the exhibits, including illustrations showcasing the history of the Aztecs and discovering how cocoa arrived in Europe.

A master chocolatier will perform a demonstration on how to make artisanal pralines right before your eyes, and you can taste the final product. The museum visit includes several tastings and an opportunity to purchase some chocolates in the gift shop. Take advantage of an audio guide that offers explanations in Dutch, French, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian and Chinese. A guided tour is also available to help you make the most of your visit.

This tour includes the museum entrance fee, tastings, demonstration by a master chocolatier, audio guide and optional guided tour. Join us and become a chocolate connoisseur today!

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. After exploring the surrealist masterpieces, take a break at the on-site café and restaurant, and stop by the shop for an impressive selection of posters, postcards, gifts, and books. The entry ticket includes admission to the museum, booking fee, and the option of an audio or visual guide. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the world of René Magritte.

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

Learn about the history and art of chocolate-making with the 2.5-hour chocolate museum visit and workshop in Brussels. A professional chocolate maker will guide you through the process of making your own personalized chocolates including mendiant chocolates, chocolate bars, and lollies which you can take home with you.
Following the workshop, you can fully immerse yourself in the world of chocolate by visiting the Choco-Story Brussels museum with your audio guide. Interactive displays and engaging exhibits allow you to discover the history of cocoa and chocolate while tasting various types of chocolate. You will also witness a demonstration of Belgian’s famous artisanal pralines.
This experience includes the entrance fee to the museum, audio guide, chocolate tastings, praline demonstration, and chocolate making workshop. A guided tour is also provided for your convenience. Additionally, for a small fee of €5, you can book a virtual reality film at the cash register. Please note that this tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Most Frequently Asked Questions by Tourists about Museums in Brussels

Brussels is a city that is famous for its art and culture, and it’s no surprise that many tourists come to visit its museums. However, with so many museums to choose from, it’s essential to know which museum would be best for your interests, and which one fits your budget. In this blog post, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions by tourists about museums in Brussels.

1. What are the top must-visit museums in Brussels?

The city of Brussels is home to more than 80 museums, making it difficult to decide which museums to visit during your stay. Here are some of the top must-visit museums in Brussels, based on tourist reviews and comments:

• Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium: This museum is a must-visit for art lovers. It has an extensive collection of ancient to modern art from the 15th to the 21st century, including works by renowned artists like Rubens, Magritte, and Ensor.
• Museum of Natural Sciences: This museum is perfect for families with children. It has an extensive collection of marine, mineral, and animal specimens from all over the world, including the largest display of dinosaur skeletons in Europe.
• Belgian Comic Strip Center: This museum showcases the art and history of Belgian comics, including famous characters like Tintin and the Smurfs. It’s an excellent place to learn about Belgium’s comic culture and history.
• Musical Instruments Museum: Music lovers will enjoy this museum, which has an extensive collection of over 8,000 musical instruments from all over the world. Visitors can listen to the instruments through headphones and learn about the history of music.
• Magritte Museum: If you’re a fan of surrealist art, you’ll love this museum. It has the largest collection of works by René Magritte, one of Belgium’s most famous artists.

2. How much do tickets to museums in Brussels cost?

The cost of tickets to museums in Brussels varies depending on the museum and the type of ticket you want. There are usually discounts available for children, students, and seniors.Here’s a general price range for some of the most popular museums in Brussels:

• Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium: €15 for adults, €5 for students
• Museum of Natural Sciences: €7 for adults, €4 for students
• Belgian Comic Strip Center: €10 for adults, €7 for students
• Musical Instruments Museum: €10 for adults, €7 for students
• Magritte Museum: €15 for adults, €5 for students

3. Are there any free museums in Brussels?

Yes, there are several free museums in Brussels that you can visit. Here are some of the popular ones:

• Museum of the City of Brussels (Maison du Roi/Broodhuis): This museum is free for all visitors and showcases the history of Brussels as a city.
• Horta Museum: This museum is free for visitors under 18 and over 65, and costs €8 for adults. It’s the former house and studio of famous Belgian architect Victor Horta.
• Museum of Belgian Brewers: This museum is free for all visitors and showcases the history and culture of Belgian beer.

4. What are the best museums for families with children?

Brussels has several museums that are perfect for families with children. Here are some of the best ones:

• Museum of Natural Sciences: This museum has a wide variety of interactive exhibits and activities for children, including a play area where kids can excavate fossils.
• Belgian Comic Strip Center: This museum has a dedicated Kids’ Corner where children can draw their comics and enjoy cartoon screenings.
• Train World: This museum is perfect for train enthusiasts, featuring a vast collection of trains, wagons, and locomotives. Kids can also enjoy interactive exhibits and a play area.
• Autoworld: This museum has a collection of vintage and modern cars that will fascinate children of all ages.

5. Can I take photos in museums in Brussels?

Most museums in Brussels allow visitors to take photos for personal use, but there might be some restrictions in special exhibitions or areas where the museum has the author’s rights to the displayed artwork. Flash photography is often not allowed, so it’s essential to check the museum’s regulations before taking photographs.

6. Are there any special exhibitions in the museums?

Several museums in Brussels offer special exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions showcase different themes, such as art, culture, history, and science.Here are some of the current special exhibitions in Brussels:

• “Beyond Klimt: New Horizons in Central Europe, 1914-1938” at the BOZAR: This exhibition showcases art and culture in Central Europe during the interwar period, featuring works by Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and Oskar Kokoschka.
• “The Body in Pieces” at the Museum of Fine Arts: This exhibition explores the representation of the human body in art, showcasing works by artists such as Michelangelo, Rubens, and Francis Bacon.
• “Underground” at the Train World Museum: This exhibition showcases the history and construction of the Brussels metro system and its evolution since the 1970s.

How to Find the Best Museum in Brussels: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you planning a trip to Brussels and looking for the best museums to visit? Brussels is famous for its artistic and cultural attractions, including its world-renowned museums. Whether you are an art lover, history buff, or simply a curious traveler, Brussels has something for everyone.From the stunning architecture of the Art Nouveau movement to ancient artifacts, there is no shortage of fascinating exhibits to explore. In this guide, we will help you find the best museum in Brussels by providing you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

1. Determine Your Interests

The first step to finding the best museum in Brussels is to determine your interests. Do you enjoy art, history, architecture, or technology? Would you like to learn about Belgian culture or explore the natural world? Consider your interests and preferences as you begin your research.

2. Research Your Options

Once you have determined your interests, research the museums in Brussels that align with them. Brussels has over 100 museums, so you will need to narrow down your options.A great resource to use is the official website of the city of Brussels, which provides a comprehensive list of all the museums in the city, along with their locations and opening hours. Another excellent resource is TripAdvisor, which provides user reviews and ranking of the top-rated museums in Brussels.

3. Read Reviews

Before deciding which museum to visit, read reviews from other visitors. Reviews can provide valuable insights into the experiences of others and help you make an informed decision.Pay attention to reviews that mention the strengths and weaknesses of the museum, as well as the quality of the exhibits, the staff, and the facilities. Also, consider the type of reviewers who leave the reviews, as this can impact their opinion.

4. Check the Opening Hours

Make sure to check the opening hours of the museums you are interested in visiting. Some museums are closed on certain days, or have shorter hours during the week.You don’t want to arrive at a museum only to find out that it’s closed or won’t have enough time to explore properly. Check the opening hours and plan your visit accordingly.

5. Consider the Location

The location of the museum is also an important factor to consider. Some of the best museums in Brussels are located in the city center, while others are on the outskirts of the city.Think about how far you are willing to travel and how much time you have. Additionally, consider the accessibility of the museum, whether it is easily accessible by public transportation or if it has parking available.

6. Look for Special Exhibitions

Many museums in Brussels have special exhibitions that are only available for a limited time. These exhibitions can be a fantastic opportunity to see unique and rare specimens, or learn about a specific topic or artist.Check the museum’s website or social media pages for information on any special exhibitions that may be happening during your visit. Plan your visit accordingly, so you don’t miss out on something amazing.

7. Consider the Price

The cost of visiting a museum can vary greatly, with some museums offering free admission while others charge a fee. If you are on a budget, consider the cost of visiting each museum before making a decision.Keep in mind that some museums offer discounted rates for students, children, or seniors, so it’s always worth checking for any available discounts.

8. Ask for Recommendations

If you are still unsure about which museum to visit, ask locals or fellow travelers for recommendations. Locals are typically the best sources of knowledge and can provide unique insights into their favorite museums.You can also ask for recommendations at your hotel or hostel, or on social media platforms such as Facebook or Twitter.

9. Plan Your Visit

Once you have decided which museum to visit, plan your visit accordingly. Make sure you know the opening hours, location, and admission fees.Consider purchasing tickets in advance, as this can save you time and help you skip the lines. Additionally, plan how much time you want to spend at the museum, and what exhibits you want to see.

10. Enjoy Your Visit

You have done all the research and planning, now it’s time to enjoy your visit. Take your time as you explore the museum, and try to immerse yourself in the exhibits.Don’t be afraid to ask questions and talk to the staff about their knowledge and experience. You may even learn something new or gain a deeper appreciation for the museum and its exhibits.

Conclusion

Finding the best museum in Brussels requires some research and planning, but it is well worth the effort. Follow the steps outlined in this guide, and you are sure to find a museum that aligns with your interests and provides a memorable experience.Remember to consider your interests, read reviews, check the opening hours, consider the location and price, look for special exhibitions, ask for recommendations, plan your visit, and most importantly, enjoy your visit.