
Brussels is known for chocolate, waffles, iconic architecture and incredible culture. An interesting mix of historic and hipster, the home of the European Parliament is far from stuffy and bureaucratic. Its multicultural roots lead to a mix reflected in art, food and architecture.
From fine arts, the natural world, the world of transportation and, of course, chocolate, there is a whole range of different things you can learn more about. Make sure you double-check admissions details before you visit as some museums in Brussels offer free entry on a particular day of the week. So, where should you start? What are the best museums to visit in Brussels?
A prestigious collection of over 20,000 artworks
适合: 历史
The Royal Museums of Fine Arts is 6 museums housing over 20,000 works and showcasing Belgium’s history of art from the 15th to 21st centuries. Some of the most iconic artists are featured such as surrealist Paul Delvaux and fauvist Rik Wouters.
The main building houses the Museum of Ancient Art and the Museum of Modern Art, allowing you to explore 2 contrasting eras on the same day. Make sure that you see Landscape with the Fall of Icarus, long attributed to W.H. Auden’s famous poem. The museum shop is also ideal for picking up a beautiful reminder of your day here.
地址: Rue de la Régence 3, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
开放时间 Tuesday–Friday from 10 am to 5pm, Saturday–Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm (closed Mondays)
电话: +32 (0)2 508 32 11

Royal Museums of Fine Arts
The symbol of Brussels and Belgium
适合: 家庭
Originally designed and built for the Brussels World Fair in 1958, the Atomium was conceived to be an expression of the democratic will to maintain peace among all nations. Following a major restoration in the early 2000s, it is now a symbol of both Brussels and Belgium and is Brussels’ most popular attraction.
Accessible by metro and a 15-minute ride from both De Broukère and Brussels South Station, the Atomium offers incredible views both inside and out. The internal architecture is reminiscent of an intergalactic spaceship and features sound and light exhibitions as you ascend the escalators. At the top, you’ll see panoramic views of the city and can even enjoy a meal with a view from the Atomium Restaurant.
地址: Place de l’Atomium 1, 1020 Bruxelles, Belgium
开放时间 Daily from 10 am to 6 pm
电话: +32 (0)2 475 47 75

Atomium
Naturally, it’s a great day out
适合: 家庭
A must see for both adults and children, the Museum of Natural Sciences allows you to trace the history of animal and human evolution. Going all the way back to prehistoric history, you can see the famous Bernissart Iguanodons in the largest dinosaur gallery in Europe. Little ones can even take on the role of a palaeontologist in a museum workshop.
Accessible by metro, bus, train or bike, the Museum of Natural Sciences also features the BiodiverCITY gallery which explores the animals and vegetation we find in cities and how we can play our part in protecting them. The Mineral Hall is breath-taking, containing 80% of known rock specimens and even a bit of the moon.
地址: Rue Vautier 29, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
开放时间 Tuesday–Friday from 9.30 am to 5pm, Saturday–Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed Mondays)
电话: +32 (0)2 627 42 11

Museum of Natural Sciences
A stroke of genius
适合: 历史
The Oldmasters Museum is 1 of the 6 museums which make up the Royal Museum of Fine Arts and narrates 400 years of art history from the 15th to 18th century. It is particularly well known for its Pieter Bruegel the Elder collection, the second biggest in the world, and collections from Rubens and Jordaens.
Located near Place Royale, the Oldmasters Museum is also home to a number of paintings from the Southern Netherlands, with masterpieces by Rogier van der Weyden, Petrus Christus, Dirk Bouts and Hans Memling. Don’t forget to stroll through the statue garden, complete with a fountain.
地址: Rue de la Régence 3, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
开放时间 Tuesday–Friday from 10 am to 5pm, Saturday–Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm (closed Mondays)
电话: +32 (0)2 508 32 11

Musée Oldmasters Museum