Créé par Emilie, le 7 mai 2026
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Brussels, capital of Belgium and beating heart of Europe, is brimming with extraordinary cultural treasures. Among its many attractions, the city houses a remarkable collection of museums that bear witness to its rich artistic, historical and scientific heritage. Whether you're passionate about surrealist art, a lover of vintage automobiles or curious about scientific discoveries, Visiting Brussels offers you unforgettable museum experiences. Here is our selection of the 8 must-see museums in Brussels that absolutely deserve your visit.
1. The Magritte Museum: dive into the surrealist universe
Impossible to visit Brussels without discovering the fascinating universe of René Magritte! The Magritte Museum, located in the heart of the Mont des Arts, houses the world's largest collection dedicated to the master of Belgian surrealism. Over more than 2500 m², you'll discover over 230 works and archives that trace Magritte's artistic evolution, from his first drawings to his most iconic masterpieces.
The museum presents a chronological and thematic approach that allows understanding the artist's evolution and the influences that marked his work. From iconic canvases like 'The Treachery of Images' to lesser-known works from his 'cow' period, each room reveals a different facet of Magritte's creative genius. Don't hesitate to extend your visit to the Museum Café for a gourmet break in an exceptional artistic setting.
Practical information: Rue du Musée 9, 1000 Brussels (open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm, price: €15). Let yourself be guided in your discovery of the Belgian capital thanks to the Ryo itinerary that will naturally lead you to this cultural gem.
2. The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
A true Brussels cultural institution, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium constitute a prestigious museum complex that brings together six distinct museums. The Old Masters Museum takes you through Flemish and Dutch art from the 15th to 18th centuries, with masterpieces by Bruegel, Rubens and Van Dyck. The Museum of Modern Art, meanwhile, presents a remarkable collection of works from the 19th to 21st centuries.
The Fin-de-Siècle Museum offers a unique perspective on the pivotal period between 1868 and 1914, illustrating the artistic effervescence that marked Brussels at this time. The architectural ensemble itself, with its majestic rooms and careful scenography, contributes to making this visit a memorable experience. Plan at least half a day to properly explore these artistic treasures.
Practical information: Rue de la Régence 3, 1000 Brussels (open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm, price: €15).
3. The Musical Instruments Museum (MIM)
Housed in the magnificent Art Nouveau building of the former Old England store, the MIM constitutes one of the most beautiful museum surprises in Brussels. This unique institution in the world brings together more than 8000 musical instruments, of which 1200 are permanently exhibited. The visit route, spread over four levels, takes you on a fascinating musical journey through continents and eras.
The audioguide included in the entrance price allows you to listen to the sound of many instruments presented, transforming your visit into a real personal concert. From the section dedicated to traditional European instruments to the rooms dedicated to world music, each space reveals the richness and diversity of world musical heritage. Don't miss the terrace-restaurant on the top floor which offers an exceptional panoramic view of Brussels.
Practical information: Montagne de la Cour 2, 1000 Brussels (open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm, price: €13).
Download the audio-guided circuit to discover Brussels on foot and independently
For an optimal experience of the Belgian capital, follow the audio-guided itinerary of Brussels which will naturally lead you to these essential cultural sites. This carefully designed route allows you to discover the city at your own pace, combining architectural heritage, historical sites and internationally renowned museum institutions.
4. Autoworld: a journey through automobile history
Located in the prestigious halls of the Parc du Cinquantenaire, Autoworld constitutes paradise for lovers of vintage automobiles. This exceptional museum presents more than 300 historic vehicles, from the first cars of the late 19th century to contemporary Formula 1 racing cars. The collection, based on the exceptional collection of the Mahy family, testifies to the technological and aesthetic evolution of the automobile industry.
The visit route, organized by themes and periods, allows understanding the history of the automobile in all its aspects. The section dedicated to American cars from the 1950s-1970s, the spaces dedicated to motor sport and the motorcycle collection of Marcel Thiry constitute as many highlights of this captivating visit. The grandiose architecture of the 1880 building adds a remarkable heritage dimension to this museum experience.
Practical information: Parc du Cinquantenaire 11, 1000 Brussels (open daily from 10am to 6pm, price: €15). The Ryo itinerary efficiently guides you to this emblematic place of European automotive heritage.
5. The Natural Sciences Museum
The Brussels Natural Sciences Museum fascinates visitors of all ages thanks to its spectacular Dinosaur Gallery, the largest in Europe entirely dedicated to these prehistoric giants. Over more than 3000 m², you'll discover dozens of exceptional specimens, including the famous Iguanodons of Bernissart, a major paleontological discovery of the 19th century that revolutionized scientific knowledge of these vanished creatures.
Beyond the dinosaur gallery, the museum offers many other fascinating sections: the Human Evolution room, spaces dedicated to contemporary biodiversity, and mineralogy collections that are among the richest in Europe. Interactive devices and regular animations make the visit particularly attractive for families. The intelligent educational route allows both beginners and science enthusiasts to enrich their knowledge in a fun and accessible way.
Practical information: Rue Vautier 29, 1000 Brussels (open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30am to 5pm, price: €13).
6. The Belgian Comic Strip Center
Housed in a superb Art Nouveau building designed by Victor Horta, the Belgian Comic Strip Center (CBBD) celebrates the 9th art in all its forms. Belgium being considered the homeland of European comic strips with legendary creators like Hergé, Franquin or Peyo, this museum constitutes a must-see to understand this exceptional cultural richness.
The permanent exhibition 'A Century of Belgian Comics' traces the evolution of the medium from its origins to contemporary creations. You'll discover original pages, creative processes, and the considerable influence of Belgian comic strips on world culture. Interactive spaces allow initiation into drawing and scriptwriting techniques, while the specialized bookstore offers a complete panorama of current production.
Practical information: Rue des Sables 20, 1000 Brussels (open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm, price: €10).
7. Train World: the Belgian railway epic
Train World, installed in the magnificent historic station of Schaerbeek, constitutes one of the most modern and impressive railway museums in Europe. Belgium having developed the oldest railway network on the European continent, this museum traces this technological and human epic through spectacular scenography that mixes historic heritage and cutting-edge immersive technologies.
The visit route takes you from the first steam trains of the 19th century to contemporary high-speed trains, passing through line electrification and the evolution of railway design. Period reconstructions, driving simulators and interactive spaces offer a particularly rich and varied experience. The Pays de Waes locomotive and royal carriages constitute exceptional pieces that testify to the refinement of the Belgian railway industry.
Practical information: Place Princesse Elisabeth 5, 1030 Schaerbeek (open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm, price: €15, rated 4.6/5 on Google for 6173 reviews).
8. The AfricaMuseum of Tervuren
Located in Tervuren, about 30 minutes from Brussels, the AfricaMuseum absolutely deserves the detour for its renewed approach to the cultures and civilizations of Central Africa. Completely renovated and rethought, this museum now offers a contemporary and respectful vision of African history, far from the colonial clichés of the past. The 11,000 m² of exhibition offer a captivating journey through the arts, traditions and history of this region of the world.
The permanent collections, presented in modern and educational scenography, allow discovering the cultural richness of the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighboring countries. Interactive workshops, particularly appreciated by young visitors, offer initiations to traditional instruments, crafts and African dances. The 205-hectare park surrounding the museum offers a pleasant walk to extend the visit.
Practical information: Leuvensesteenweg 13, 3080 Tervuren (open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 5pm, weekend from 10am to 6pm, price: €13).
In conclusion, these 8 must-see museums in Brussels offer an exceptional panorama of the cultural and artistic richness of the Belgian capital. From Magritte's surrealist art to the scientific collections of the Natural Sciences Museum, passing through the railway universe of Train World and the automotive treasures of Autoworld, each institution contributes to the Brussels cultural edifice. To optimize your discovery of these exceptional places, don't hesitate to follow the Ryo audio-guided itinerary which will allow you to navigate easily from one site to another while discovering the architectural and historical treasures that mark your journey through the Belle of Europe.
FAQ – Museums in Brussels
How much time should be planned to visit these museums?
Count about 1h30 to 2h for each museum depending on your pace and interest in the proposed themes. For the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, plan a half-day if you wish to explore several sections.
Are there reduced rates available?
Most museums offer reduced rates for seniors, students and groups. The first Sunday of each month, many Brussels museums offer free admission. Also inquire about the Brussels Card which can be advantageous.
Are these museums accessible by public transport?
Yes, all these museums are easily accessible by Brussels public transport. The metro, tram and bus network efficiently serves all these cultural sites. Train World in Schaerbeek is accessible by train from Brussels Central Station.
Can several museums be visited in the same day?
It's quite possible, particularly for museums located in the city center like the Magritte Museum and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts which are very close. The Ryo itinerary helps you optimize your movements between the different cultural sites of the capital.