The capital city of Belgium is well known for its gastronomy and stunning architecture. There’s so much to see and do that you’ll be spoilt for choice. In particular, there are some fantastic art experiences and museums in Brussels, from fine art to comics. Here are the top Brussels museums and art that you should not miss.
Art Experiences and Museums in Brussels
Brussels has some really striking street murals and outdoor art, from Tintin and Captain Haddock to the anti-hero Gaston Lagaffe. You may feel like you’re living in the pages of a cartoon.
1. Brussels Street Art
There are all sorts of interesting artworks dotted around the city, like this statue of Gaston and this giant container by Luc Deleu, both on boulevard Pachéco.
2. MIMA Museum
MIMA is one of the most interesting new museums in Brussels. Located in the newly renovated Molenbeek area, it focuses on street art in all its forms.
There are some unusual artworks by talented artists such as the block prints by American artist Swoon. She uses coffee to stain her intricate linoleum block etchings of people.
There’s a rotating installation by FAILE, aka Patrick McNeil and Patrick Miller that is particularly impressive. Our favorite art exhibit would have to be the whole room designed by Maya Hayuk.
It has the feel of a cathedral with light streaming through the glass on sunny days. If you’re in need of some refreshments afterwards, there’s a museum café, and over the bridge there’s the Brussels Beer Project – just one of the many places to eat in Brussels.
- Address: Quai du Hainaut 41, 1080 Molenbeek-Saint-Jean
- Opening Hours: 10.00-18.00 Wednesday-Sunday. Closed Monday-Tuesday
3. Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
The Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium on Rue de la Régence houses not one but 6 museums with a superb collection of paintings and sculptures. It’s undoubtedly one of the best Brussels art museums.
In the entrance, you will find superb paintings by Belgian artist Constant Montald. This Symbolist painter had an incredible eye for colour. Admire his artworks, La Fontaine de l’Inspiration and Le Bateau de l’Idéal, hung in the entrance hall of the museum.
- Address: Rue de la Régence 3, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
- Opening Hours: 10.00-18.00 Wednesday-Sunday. Closed Monday-Tuesday
4. Magritte Museum
Whether you’re a fan of surrealism or not, you can’t fail to be impressed by the Magritte Museum. This is one of the 6 museums in Brussels that make up the Royal Museum of Fine Arts.
Spread over several floors, it showcases some of the artist’s most iconic works. Magritte was an interesting character who tended to paint in a suit.
Many of his neighbours didn’t realize that he was an artist. His thought-provoking paintings are instantly recognisable – for us, a sign of pure genius.
- Address: Rue de la Régence 3, 1000 Bruxelles
- Opening Hours: 10:00 – 17:00 Monday-Friday, 11:00 – 18:00 Saturday-Sunday
5. Belgian Comic Strip Center
The Belgian Comic Strip Center, also on Rue de la Régence is well worth a visit. It’s housed within a striking Art Nouveau building designed by Victor Horta, originally a department store.
As this is Brussels, you will of course find a focus on Herge and his most famous creation, Tintin. Step inside the pages of some of his iconic books like the Blue Lotus. Up and coming cartoonists such as Pieter De Poortere are also represented.
- Address: Rue des Sables 20, 1000 Bruxelles
- Opening hours: 10.00-18.00 daily
6. Villa Empain
For sheer stylishness, the Foundation Boghossian at Villa Empain takes some beating. Located in an upmarket residential area, it’s an Art Deco masterpiece.
From the striking front door to the rear swimming pool, the former home of Baron Louis Empain oozes timeless chic. Designed by Swiss architect Michel Polak, it’s now a museum promoting a dialgogue between Eastern and Western culture.
There are some fascinating temporary exhibitions such as the current one featuring artworks by Daniel Buren, Jeff Koons and Andy Warhol.
- Address: Avenue Franklin Roosevelt 67, 1000 Bruxelles
- Opening hours: 11.00-18.00 daily except Mondays, 1 January and 25 December
7. Horta Museum
Brussels is known for its Art Nouveau architecture and the Horta Museum on Rue Américaine is one of its finest examples. The former home and studio of Victor Horta was constructed between 1898 and 1901. It is listed by UNESCO for its pioneering architecture.
Entering the house, you’re immediately struck by the innovative open plan layout and how light it is. The museum has recently opened an impressive extension which will feature regularly changing exhibitions of contemporary artists.
- Address: Rue Américaine 25, 1060 Bruxelles
- Opening hours: 14.00-17.30 Tuesday-Sunday, closed on public holidays
8. La Patinoire Royale
This attractive building, La Patinoire Royale, in the Saint-Gilles district of Brussels was built in 1877 and was one of the first roller skating rinks in Europe. Its new incarnation as a contemporary art gallery, La Patinoire Royale – Galerie Valérie Bach, works well.
The high ceilings, Neo Classical architecture and white walls show off the distinctive artworks to their best advantage.
- Address: Rue Veydt 15, 1060 Saint-Gilles
- Opening hours: 11.00-18.00 Tuesday to Saturday
9. Art in Hotel Amigo
Hotel Amigo is more than just a luxurious place to stay. There’s an impressive art collection and also a Herge Suite.
It’s the only hotel in the world that is authorised to use Tintin’s image. The Magritte suite is another stylish option if you’re a Surrealist fan.
10. MIM – Musical Instruments Museum
A Musical Instruments Museum may sound like a rather specialized interest but not so. Consistently rated in the top museums in Brussels by TripAdvisor, it’s located in a lovely building which is part Art Nouveau and part neoclassical.
The 1200 exhibits are very well presented and there’s a lovely view over the capital from the rooftop restaurant.
- Address: Rue Montagne de la Cour 2, 1000 Bruxelles
- Opening hours: 9.30-17.00 Tuesday – Friday, 10.00-17.00 Saturday – Sunday
Final Thoughts: The Best Museums in Brussels
Brimming with culture and beauty, Brussels is one of Europe’s best cities for art lovers to explore. Whether you’re looking for a day out at an esteemed museum or just want something a bit unique and off-the-beaten-track, the Belgian capital has it all.
From modern galleries filled with contemporary art to age-old institutions that carry centuries of historical artifacts — these are some of the top museums in Brussels that will make your next visit unforgettable!
Of course, there are many more art experiences and museums in Brussels but we hope to have given you a taste of some of our favourites. Whether you take a Brussels weekend break or a longer trip, there’s plenty to keep you busy.
We also recommend a visit to:
- Atomium
- Autoworld
- BELvue Museum
- Brussels City Museum
- House of European History
- Museum of Natural Sciences
- Schaerbeek Museum of Beer
Which of these Brussels museums and art experiences do you like the look of the best and are there any that you would add to the list?
Read all our Brussels travel blog posts here.
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In association with Visit Brussels
There seems to be so many wonderful and quirky places to explore! I love the look of Hotel Amigo.
It’s a lovely hotel and there was a famous politician there when we visited. There are lots of cool and quirky places nearby
The Tintin street art is so much fun and Horta Museum’s exterior truly does look very impressive!
Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice x
Yes you can’t take photos inside the Horta Museum although you can in their new extension with the temporary exhibits
Villa Empain looks so gorgeous! I love art deco – I’d very much enjoy this museum. I am off on Friday, maybe I’ll go on a little excursion to Brussels.
You’d absolutely love it, Anouk and the current exhibition is really interesting. I wish they could keep the Daniel Buren installation permanently
Gosh it looks incredible!
Beauty Candy Loves
There’s certainly a huge selection of museums, Candice
Great list – I would add the Museum of Ixelles, a personal favourite of mine.
Thanks for the tip, Astrid, we must visit that one next time
I visited Brussels a few years ago and I absolutely loved all of the street art!! I love your guide!
http://thecourtneydiaries.com
I wish we’d have had more time to see all the street art, there’s so many interesting murals
What a brilliant list! This is another eye opener for me as I have no idea about the existence of these museums!
Shireen | Reflection of Sanity
I’m very glad that you found it interesting, Shireen!
Wow, such an interesting guide!!! Thanks for sharing!
Kisses, Paola.
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It’s my pleasure, Paola, have a great week ahead
So much art + beauty to take in! Love this!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
For me, art should always be beautiful and I think they’ve succeeded!
Love reading this.!
Alice Cerea
babywhatsup.com
These pictures bring back so many memories. I loved the architecture, museums, & those delicious Belgian fries. :]
// ▲ itsCarmen.com ▲
I’m glad that my post brought back some good memories for you, Carmen!
How cool the street art looks! I’d like to see Comic Strip Centre, seriously there are so many cool museums in Brussels!
Ela BellaWorld
It was such fun stepping behind the pages of the books, Ela!
Great collection of art work and what a range of work! Thanks for sharing. XO, Ellese
Rock.Paper.Glam.
It’s an interesting selection, isn’t it! And there are quite a few more places that we didn’t have time to visit
The Royal Museums look really interesting! But there’s so much other whimsical art in Brussels! You look really cute in these pics too -:).
Oh that’s really kind, thank you! We loved all the quirky art on display
Nice post!I loooove the magritte museum!And of course you can’t visit Belgium without a visit at the Comic museum!I love Tintin!
xx
Yaya
www.yayavanchique.com
We were so lucky to have a curated tour of the Magritte Museum, it was fascinating!
I’d love to visit the Herge Museum, it’s definitely on my list for a future trip
Some wonderful choices the street art looks wonderful I can’t say I noticed it when I visited but then again maybe I wasn’t looking. I remember the comic strip magazine and there are some wonderful cake shops nearby so as a foodie that always makes for a great day. Reading this makes me want to go back Lucy x (FOODIEFORCE)
As a foodie, you definitely need to revisit it, Lucy! So many great cake and chocolate shops but a lot more besides like trendy fusion food eateries
I love that this post is specific to art and museums!! I’m a big fan of street art and the royal museum of fine arts of Belgium looks wonderful. I need to re-visit Brussels and not just focus on the chocolate 😉
Well you can always eat chocolate as you wander around the museums, Maggie!
Great list of places to enjoy art in Brussels! Love the street art in particular!
Miriam
www.londonkitchendiaries.com
Thanks Miriam, there was so much interesting street art and the street art museum had some great artworks too
I love art & museums you always learn so much from them. This definitely places I would love to visit when I am in Brussels again. I especially love La Patinoire Royale in the old skating ring. Great post and I love your pictures too.
La Patinoire was so interesting, there were lots more photos that I didn’t have space to share – well worth a visit
So much art + culture to take in! Love this!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
I’m very glad that you like it, Ashley – have a wonderful weekend
Ooh we’ll have to visit that place when we’re next in Milan – thanks for the tip, Lucy
I agree, there are some great examples on the streets – as long as they don’t paint on beautiful old buildings but they don’t generally do so
I never knew there was so much to do in Brussels!
Amazing!!
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