The Best Museums In Brussels

As the home of the European Parliament and NATO, Brussels is often recognized as being a political hub and the capital of Europe. However, it also boasts a rich history, a unique culinary scene, and varied attractions that make it a great vacation spot. Between its famous chocolate, mouth-watering waffles, tasty French fries, and refreshing beer, Brussels is inarguably a must-visit destination for foodies. What's more, it also has plenty to offer in terms of art, spectacular festivals, unrivaled Art Nouveau architecture, and historical attractions.

Brussels has something for visitors of all tastes and ages and is perfect for a short layover or weekend getaway while also boasting enough points of interest for a longer stay. Another bonus is that its historic core can be visited on foot while attractions located slightly outside the main center are easily accessible by subway, tram, and bus. There are also numerous fabulous day trips that you can do on your own by train – think Bruges and Ghent.

Whether Brussels is already on your list or you're just starting to consider it, these top-rated museums are sure to sway you in favor of a visit.

The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium make up the grandest and most visited group of museums in the city. The cluster, located right next to the Royal Palace of Brussels, is home to the Fin-de-Siècle Museum, the Magritte Museum, and the Old Masters Museum, all of which can be visited with a single ticket. Interestingly, Belgian architect Alphonse Balat, who worked on the palace, was the one who designed the impressive museum building at the end of the 19th century.

In addition to temporary exhibits, the expansive permanent collection runs from the 15th century up to the 21st with a focus on paintings, sculptures, drawings, and prints. Begin your visit at the Old Masters Museum, which hones in on the 15th to 18th centuries, and you'll be wowed by a large collection of key works from Dutch and Flemish greats. Just some of the noteworthy names include Hans Memling, Hieronymus Bosch, Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Peter Paul Rubens, and Anthony van Dyck. You can then move ahead in time at the Fin-de-Siècle Museum which is dedicated to the 1900s. A haven for Art Nouveau lovers, it brings together paintings, prints, sculptures, and more from the Gilded Age. Finally, there's the Magritte Museum (which can be visited on its own), housing the world's largest collection of works by the Belgian surrealist. Here, you can learn all about Magritte's life and career through 230 works, ranging from his art to personal photographs.

If you're searching for a museum that's fun, educational, and perfect to visit with kids as young as three, then the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences should top your list. All in all, the museum owns a whopping 38 million specimens, making it the third largest natural history collection in Europe. While not everything is on display, there is more than enough to see and you should allot two to three hours for a comprehensive tour. The collection is split into six portions – entomology, invertebrates, vertebrates, anthropology and prehistory, paleontology, and geology – and just some of the stellar permanent exhibits include the Gallery of Evolution and Mineral Hall. Living Planet is especially great for younger visitors, as it offers them the chance to learn about Earth's living organisms through hands-on displays, specimens, videos, and more.

However, there's no arguing that the Dinosaur Gallery is the museum's star attraction. It's the largest room in all of Europe to be entirely devoted to dinosaurs and it gives visitors a comprehensive look at their life (and eventual demise) through fossils, replicas, and interactive exhibits. Just some of the highlights include hearing a Parasaurolophus's scream, learning how fossils are formed, and marveling at 30 almost fully intact iguanodon skeletons.

Car lovers will feel their jaws drop as they enter Autoworld inside Parc du Cinquantenaire. The huge steel and glass hall was built as part of the World Expo of 1888 and in 1902, it became home to an annual bike and car show. Nowadays, it honors that heritage in its new incarnation as a museum. Its impressive collection includes 300 vehicles, ranging from cars to ancient coaches and motorcycles, many of them procured and lovingly restored by collector Ghislain Mahy and his family. To make the visit more interesting, the collection is split up into various themed zones, which include vehicles from the USA, rides made in Belgium, and a Sport & Competition zone where you'll see automobiles built for racing paired with old photographs and movies.

However, the most interesting part of the museum may just be the Salon 1910 where you can see about 30 of the cars that would have been sold here from 1902 through 1934 when the building hosted the annual car and bike fair. Back then, cars were made to measure and it's fascinating to see how much the industry has changed. Other highlights include an area dedicated to Tintin's cars (which opened in 2022), the chance to be photographed in a F1 Vaillant racing car, as well as rotating temporary exhibits, like 2023's "Chevrolet Corvette a legend turns 70" and "Porsche 75 years, driven by dreams."

If you haven't heard of architect Victor Horta, he is to Belgium what Frank Lloyd Wright is to the U.S. Working at the end of the 19th century and into the mid-20th century, Horta was an Art Nouveau pioneer and four of his townhomes still stand today and are all recognized by UNESCO. The most magnificent (and largest) is the Horta Museum, which was designed by the architect for his own use as his private home and studio. Built between 1898 and 1901, it comprises two buildings that scream Art Nouveau and are filled with original details, ranging from furniture designed by Horta to stained glass paneling and personal effects. As you wander through the various floors (where, sadly, no photography is allowed), you'll learn about the star architect and see everything from his work area to his bedroom, kitchen, salon – you name it – and get a real feel for what life was like for wealthy individuals at the turn of the century. Whether you're an architecture buff, an Art Nouveau lover, or simply love visiting beautiful space, the Horta Museum delivers.

Tip: You can easily visit another Horta townhouse, Hôtel Solvay, nearby on the same day. Tycoon Armand Solvay commissioned the home in 1894 and gave Horta carte blanche and an endless budget to design it, so you can just imagine the splendor that awaits you.

Yes, you read that right: Sewer Museum. Don't let the name or its concept deter you, though, because this is one of Brussels' most unique and memorable visits. Make your way about 30 feet underground and you'll have the opportunity to stroll along the hidden Senne river before entering into the collector sewer of the Chaussée de Mons. Yes, it's a real working sewer and you can walk its banks for over 160 feet, which we bet is not something you ever thought you'd do! However, do note that the space is occasionally closed to tourists due to flooding. Upstairs, there's also a more traditional museum component that teaches visitors of all ages about the importance of sewers and their function, showcases how they're built, and explains how water management works. All while shining a light on a job many people don't even know exists: sewer worker.

The Sewer Museum also offers some great activities crafted specifically for its youngest guests. Children can pick up a free explorer's notebook and play games and solve puzzles throughout your visit. Kids under 18 can also get a free audio guide that will have them stepping into the shoes of a newly hired worker and solving challenges and riddles. For any adults wanting to get in on the fun, they can also take part in the latter for just 2€ (about $2).