Fall in Love with Brussels' Famous Museums

BELvue Museum

The BELvue Museum is dedicated to the colourful history of Belguim. Its exhibitions, divided between 12 rooms, share with you the history of Belgium from its creation in 1830 until the present day, with each room focusing on a different time period in Belgian history. It is situated in front of Brussels Park and next to the Royal Palace, in a grand 18th-century building which was once a hotel and royal home. This grand architecture is well worth a visit in itself. A wonderful attraction of this city museum, is that it offers an escape from the city with its garden and terrace which can also be enjoyed, overlooking its magnificent surroundings.

Royal Museum of Fine Arts

This stop offers two of Brussels’ greatest museums in one. The Royal Museum of Fine Arts, located in the downtown area of the city, offers a collection comprising of over 600 years of art between its Museum of Ancient Art - which was originally founded by Napoleon himself - and its Museum of Modern Art. For any art lovers this is a must-see, where old and new worlds collide. Its main art gallery focuses on the work of Belgian artists, and the great works of Flanders, but temporary exhibitions are frequent and worth exploring too. Information on these can easily be accessed online.

Belgian Comic Strip Centre

The Comic Strip Centre provides a fun insight into Belgium’s vast comic book history. A very different kind of art gallery, this Brussels museum offers an insight into comic book production from initial concept, to purchase, and is housed in Victor Horta's stunning Art Nouveau warehouse. Its exhibitions show off famous works and original drawings from the likes of Tin Tin and the Smurfs amongst thousands of others, and its Reading Room showcases thousands of other titles. Around the city, the Comic Strip Centre extends beyond this single building and six cartoon murals can be found, which were commissioned by the city to showcase Belgium's influence on the cartoon industry. An exploration of this artwork offers a light-hearted escape from more serious affairs, whilst proving decidedly interesting.

Musical Instrument Museum

With a collection of over 8,000 instruments, this internationally renowned Brussels museum offers an incredible insight into musical history - both within Belgium and Europe, and beyond. Information is only provided in French and Dutch, but with infrared headphones available at the front desk, over 200 instruments can be heard as you walk by. It is incredible to hear, regardless of your musical experience.

Museum Pass

Available online, or from one of many Tourism Information Centres, the ‘Brussels Card’ offers free access to 31 of Brussels’ main museums, as well as discounts on a number of tourist attractions, restaurants and bars, and unlimited public transport. The Brussels Card is a good option for anyone looking to explore the city and its history on a personal level, and save some money in the process. They last between one and three days, depending on the length of your stay. Alternatively, one-day metro passes provide unlimited journeys and most of Brussels’ visitor highlights can easily be reached via this system. For those destinations that cannot, the train network is also easily accessible.

It is also useful to note that free admission is available to all museums in Brussels on the 1st Wednesday of every month after 13:00.

Author: Sidy Diallo

Guest Relations Manager at the NH Collection Brussels Centre

My name is Sidy DIALLO, I am proud to be the Guest Relations Manager at the NH Collection Brussels Centre, deeply in love with Brussels. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Public Management and a Master's Degree in Administration and Public Policies, I have more than 10 years of professional experience in the world of hospitality. throughout my career I have always worked on numerous issues relating to customer relations. Together with my colleagues from Front Desk and Guest Services we are making sure that all guests have the best experience in our hotel and taking care of their special requests, celebrations and expectations. I get energy from solving problems and doing the best I can and I love that every day is different and full of surprises. I put my face to it, I take personal responsibility for my work, I like to take the hand of those who turn to me and accompany them throughout the experience we build together. It doesn't matter if I am asked a simple question or a request that may seem impossible: my function is to try to satisfy every Desire. I look forward to welcoming you warmly here at NH Collection Brussels Center to offer you a memorable experience!