Museum of Musical Instruments and Magritte Museum

If Art Nouveau is your thing, then you’re in for a real treat when visiting Brussels! Let’s start with this magnificent building. Once the Old England department store, it was designed by architect Paul Saintenoy. Today, it houses the Museum of Musical Instruments— also known as MIM —featuring a collection of more than 7,000 instruments from every era and every region of the world. During the industrial revolution, Belgium experienced an unprecedented economic boom, marking a true golden age for all kinds of artists who began creating freely in a cheerful and optimistic spirit. That’s what makes Art Nouveau so moving—it reflects the hope of a new way to imagine society and the world. Brussels was one of the cities where the movement was strongest, and although many buildings were lost to war, the city still boasts at least 500 Art Nouveau structures. In fact, the father and leading figure of the movement, Victor Horta, was Belgian and therefore left a powerful mark on the city’s architecture. Just across the street, you can probably spot the Magritte Museum—a great reminder that Belgium is the birthplace of many renowned artists. Don’t hesitate to step inside and explore the brilliant yet thought-provoking artworks of this famous surrealist painter.