Art & History Museum Brussels
Explore millennia of human history and global cultures within the stunning Cinquantenaire Palace.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration
Art & History Museum Brussels
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore millennia of human history and global cultures within the stunning Cinquantenaire Palace.
"A treasure trove of history, from ancient Egypt to Belgian roots, set in a magnificent palace."
🎟️ Museum Pass Advantage
Consider a Museum Pass for access to multiple Brussels museums, including this one. Great value if you plan to visit several!
🗺️ Plan Your Route
With vast collections, decide which sections to prioritize beforehand to make the most of your visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Belgian Prehistory
Ground Floor
Uncover the ancient roots of Belgium, from early human settlements to the Merovingian era. A fascinating journey through time.
Egyptian Antiquities
First Floor
Marvel at sarcophagi, mummies, and artifacts from ancient Egypt, offering a glimpse into a civilization that continues to captivate.
Near Eastern Treasures
First Floor
Explore the rich history and artistry of ancient Iran and Mesopotamia through intricate pottery, sculptures, and reliefs.
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Collections
Maximizing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Looking for an Art Museum Recommendation
🎟️ Museum Pass Advantage
Consider a Museum Pass for access to multiple Brussels museums, including this one. Great value if you plan to visit several!
🗺️ Plan Your Route
With vast collections, decide which sections to prioritize beforehand to make the most of your visit.
Planning a trip to Brussels, Paris, Barcelona and Madrid. I need recommendations on places worth visiting for a lover of art and art history.
Ideas for museums
📸 Photography Policy
Check the museum's current photography policy before visiting, as restrictions can vary.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Museum Pass Advantage
Consider a Museum Pass for access to multiple Brussels museums, including this one. Great value if you plan to visit several!
🗺️ Plan Your Route
With vast collections, decide which sections to prioritize beforehand to make the most of your visit.
📸 Photography Policy
Check the museum's current photography policy before visiting, as restrictions can vary.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Art & History Museum Brussels for its vast and diverse collections, particularly its extensive Belgian prehistory and captivating Egyptian antiquities. The grandeur of the Cinquantenaire Palace setting is also a significant draw. Some find the sheer scale overwhelming, suggesting focused visits to specific sections.
"One of the best kept secrets in Bruxelles. To see the whole museum, you’d need a day! It’s not the most modern museum presentation wise, but its content is well preserved. From the Syrian mosaics, to their Egyptian mummies, their cloister and real Easter Island head, this museum is a joy to visit. Not too crowded and a hop and skip from two metros. I highly recommend it!"
Ana DL
"It's rumored to be Hogwarts and it really felt like it when I walked in.
It was definitely worth a visit and the plus point was that there weren't too many visitors that day so I felt like I owned the whole museum. It was pretty cool, sometimes it felt a bit eerie to be alone in some areas."
Rachel Ngn
"One of my favorite museums in Brussels, though to be fair, I'm really interested in Roman history, and they have some really great exhibits including mosaics, statues, a painted wall from Pompeii and even a huge model of ancient Rome. The art deco exhibit is also quite good. The museum is not crowded, has good English descriptions, and the staff are very helpful. I would recommend visiting if you're interested in the types of exhibits they have."
Andreas Brockhaus
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Art & History Museum Brussels is easily accessible by public transport. You can take the metro to Schuman or Merode stations, or various bus lines that stop nearby. Trams also serve the area.
Limited parking is available in the vicinity, but it can be challenging to find a spot, especially during peak hours. Public transport is generally recommended.
It's a pleasant walk from the city center, taking approximately 30-40 minutes. You'll pass through some lovely parts of Brussels along the way.
The Cinquantenaire Museum (another name for the Art & History Museum Brussels) is well-served by public transport. Metro lines 1 and 5 to Schuman or Merode are convenient options.
Yes, there are usually bike racks available near the museum entrances, making it a good option for cyclists.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, and it's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information on admission fees and any potential discounts.
Yes, purchasing tickets online in advance is highly recommended to save time and guarantee entry, especially during busy periods.
The museum typically opens around 10 AM and closes around 5 PM, but hours can vary by day and season. Always confirm the current schedule on their website.
The Royal Museum of Brussels often offers reduced rates for students, seniors, and other specific groups. Check their ticketing page for details.
While not always advertised, some museums offer free admission on specific days or during certain hours. It's worth checking the museum's official website or contacting them directly.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Highlights include the extensive Belgian Prehistory collection, the captivating Egyptian Antiquities, and the impressive Near Eastern artifacts. Don't miss the stunning architecture of the Cinquantenaire Palace itself.
To fully appreciate the diverse collections, plan for at least 3-4 hours. If you want to delve deeper, a full day is recommended.
Yes, the museum offers a variety of exhibits that can engage children, particularly the ancient civilizations and historical artifacts. Look for interactive displays if available.
Guided tours are often available, providing deeper insights into the collections. Check the museum's schedule or inquire at the information desk upon arrival.
The museum typically offers restrooms, a cloakroom, and sometimes a cafe or gift shop. Check their website for specific amenities.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can change, but generally, non-flash photography for personal use is permitted in most areas. However, some special exhibitions may have restrictions. Always look for signage.
Tripods and selfie sticks are usually not permitted to avoid obstructing other visitors and to protect the exhibits.
The grand halls, the Cinquantenaire Arch, and the exterior architecture offer excellent photo opportunities. The Egyptian sarcophagi are also visually striking.
Professional photography usually requires special permission and may incur additional fees. Contact the museum's press or events department in advance.
A camera with good low-light performance and a fast lens is ideal for museum settings where flash is often prohibited. A mirrorless or DSLR camera would be suitable.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the visit more engaging for kids, consider focusing on specific exhibits that are visually stimulating. Look for any interactive displays or activity sheets the museum might offer. The vastness of the Cinquantenaire Palace itself can also be an adventure, with its grand halls and impressive architecture providing a sense of wonder. Pack snacks and drinks, and plan for breaks in the adjacent park to keep energy levels up.
🏛️ History Buffs
The Egyptian Antiquities and Near Eastern Treasures sections are equally compelling, offering a deep dive into some of the world's most influential ancient civilizations. These collections are meticulously curated, providing context and detail that history enthusiasts will appreciate. Don't overlook the museum's broader scope, which touches upon various historical periods and global cultures, making it a comprehensive study of human heritage.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Cinquantenaire Palace
Beyond the museum exhibits, take time to wander through the Parc du Cinquantenaire. The park offers beautiful green spaces, fountains, and other historical monuments, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. The palace's grandeur is particularly striking when viewed from the park, offering fantastic photo opportunities.
Consider exploring the various wings of the palace, as they house different sections of the museum and other cultural institutions. The Royal Military Museum and the Autoworld museum are also located within the Cinquantenaire complex, offering diverse experiences for visitors.
A Journey Through Time: The Collections
Venturing further, the museum houses impressive Egyptian Antiquities, featuring sarcophagi, funerary objects, and hieroglyphic inscriptions that offer a fascinating glimpse into ancient Egyptian life and beliefs. Equally captivating are the Near Eastern Treasures, with exhibits from ancient Iran and Mesopotamia, including intricate ceramics and sculptures that highlight the artistic achievements of these early civilizations.
While the museum is not primarily a painting gallery, it does feature significant collections of decorative arts, sculptures, and historical artifacts from various periods and regions. This comprehensive approach makes the Brussels Museum of Art and History a vital resource for understanding human history and cultural development on a global scale.
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