Explore the 10 Most Intriguing Museums In Brussels

If you can resist the delectable aroma of waffles in the vibrant Belgian capital, why not take a moment to explore its iconic museums and art galleries, each whispering tales of artistic innovation and cultural heritage? From galleries exhibiting world-renowned masterpieces to tucked-away museums sparkling with hidden gems showcasing local talent, Brussels is a canvas of culture that takes you on an artistic journey. The city’s legacy isn’t simply confined to its museums, however, it’s woven into the fabric of Brussels. Grand architecture, intricate street art and a lively atmosphere all contribute to an ever-evolving creative scene.

A cornerstone of Brussels’ artistic landscape, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium houses an impressive collection of over 20,000 works spanning several centuries. It actually consists of several distinct museums, each offering a unique perspective on art history: the Magritte Museum, the Oldmasters Museum, the Wiertz Museum and the Meunier Museum.

Opened in 2009, the Magritte Museum is dedicated to surrealist master René Magritte. It occupies a stunning neoclassical 18th-century building on Place Royale, with an impressive collection of the artist’s works. Providing a comprehensive overview of his artistic evolution and iconic imagery, the museum contains pieces focusing on his signature bowler-hatted-clad figures to his enigmatic depictions of everyday objects. It immerses you in the surreal world of Magritte's imagination, while interactive displays and insightful commentary enhance your experience. If you’re looking for a hotel nearby, the Novotel Brussels City Centre is only a 15-minute walk away.

• Pl. Royale 1, 1000 Bruxelles
• Open Tuesday-Friday, 10 am–5 pm; Saturday-Sunday, 11 am–6 pm

If you prefer ancient art, the Oldmasters Museum’s exhibition spaces are an homage to the creative period between the 15th and 18th centuries and include Baroque and Renaissance works. Also known as the Museum of Ancient Art, it houses masterpieces by renowned Flemish artists like Peter Paul Rubens, Anthony van Dyck and Jacob Jordaens, all of whom left us with a rich tapestry of religious scenes, portraits and genre paintings. The sheer grandeur of their works in such an elegant setting creates an unforgettable experience.

• Rue de la Régence 3, 1000 Bruxelles
• Open Tuesday-Friday, 10 am–5 pm; Saturday-Sunday, 11 am–6 pm

The smaller Constantin Meunier Museum is a couple of kilometres south of the city centre and is dedicated to a painter and sculptor whose work reflected the social and political scene in the mid-19th century. It can be found in the artist’s home in Ixelles and exhibits around 150 of his works, including paintings, sculptures and documents. If you’re planning on staying close to the Meunier Museum, the ibis Brussels Centre Châtelain is just around the corner.

• Rue de l'Abbaye 59, 1050 Ixelles
• Admission is free Tuesdays-Fridays, 10am-noon and 12.45pm-5pm
• At the weekends, the museum is only open for groups with bookings and a guide

The Wiertz Museum to the east of the city centre showcases the life and works of painter, sculptor and philosopher Antoine Wiertz, a controversial romantic artist who lived from 1806 to 1865. His vast paintings were inspired by Rubens, Michelangelo and Raphael, although the museum’s salons are adorned with smaller works such as his signature sketches.

• Rue Vautier 62, 1050 Ixelles
• Admission is free Tuesdays-Fridays, 10am-noon and 12.45pm-5pm
• At the weekends, the museum is only open for groups with bookings and a guide

While the Royal Museums stand as a testament to Belgium’s artistic heritage, Brussels has many more museums and galleries, including the architectural marvel that is the Atomium.

This iconic building represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times and is an engaging experience for the whole family. Built for the 1958 Brussels World's Fair, it’s a symbol of the city and provides panoramic views from its spherical nodules, each of which contains interactive exhibits exploring science and technology.

• Pl. de l'Atomium 1, 1020 Bruxelles
• Open daily from 10am-6pm

The creative equivalent of the Atomium is the Comics Art Museum, which celebrates the rich tradition of Belgian comics with works by iconic artists like Hergé (creator of Tintin) and Peyo (creator of The Smurfs). The museum’s vibrant interactive displays bring the world of comics to life, so they are a fun introduction to the genre for children and adults.

• Rue des Sables 20, 1000 Bruxelles
• Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-6pm
• Adult tickets cost €14 and children can enter for €6

Beyond its grand galleries, there are plenty of museums in Brussels that offer a more intimate experience.

The Horta Museum is dedicated to pioneering Art Nouveau architect Victor Horta and occupies his former home and workshop. It contains dozens of his innovative and elegant designs, from intricate ironwork to natural motifs. It immerses you in the captivating world of Art Nouveau and stands as a perfect example of how art and architecture can intersect.

• Rue Américaine 27, 1060 Bruxelles
• Open Tuesday-Friday, 2pm-5:30pm; Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5:30pm

Horta also put an Art Deco stamp on Brussels’ architectural tapestry in the shape of the Palais des Beaux-Arts (Bozar). This cultural hub now hosts exhibitions, concerts and performances throughout the year, including world-famous TED talks and even the odd appearance from guest speakers as distinguished as the Dalai Lama.

• Rue Ravenstein 23, 1000 Bruxelles
• Open daily 10 am–6 pm

Love classical music? Visit the Musical Instruments Museum in its stunning Art Deco building next to the Magritte Museum. With a vast collection of musical instruments, the museum’s meticulous displays offer a fascinating journey through the history of music, exploring diverse sounds and cultures from around the world.

• Rue Montagne de la Cour 2, 1000 Bruxelles
• Open Tuesday-Friday, 9:30 am–5 pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10 am–5 pm

The WIELS Contemporary Art Centre can be found in a former brewery and its 1930s industrial architecture – including the copper kegs – remains to this day. It’s the perfect setting for eccentric and provocative pieces like visual Kosovar artist Petrit Halilaj’s animal replicas or Japanese sculptor and performance artist Yayoi Kusama’s spotted pink balloons. There are six affiliated studios where young artists are given the chance to realise their dream of making a living as a professional artist.

• Late spring or early autumn brings pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
• The city’s excellent public transport system makes it easy to get around, although many of the museums are within walking distance of the main hotels in the city centre.
• A Brussels Card starts at around €40 and provides access to public transport as well as many of the museums.
• Whether you're in town for a night or a longer break, a stay at Le Louise Hotel Brussels – MGallery Collection is within easy reach of all these museums and galleries.

After your cultural deep dive, you'll probably be ready to unwind, so check out this guide to the 10 best bars in Brussels.