Museum of Natural Sciences Brussels
Explore prehistoric giants, dazzling minerals, and diverse life forms at Brussels' premier natural history museum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Museum of Natural Sciences Brussels
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore prehistoric giants, dazzling minerals, and diverse life forms at Brussels' premier natural history museum.
"A must-visit for dinosaur lovers and anyone fascinated by the wonders of the natural world!"
🎒 Bag Storage Options
Lockers are small; inquire about the cloakroom for larger items like suitcases.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to see everything!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iguanodon Skeletons
Dinosaur Hall
Marvel at the world-famous, nearly complete Iguanodon skeletons discovered in Bernissart.
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Biodiversity Gallery
Main Exhibition Hall
Explore a vast array of animal specimens, showcasing the incredible diversity of life on Earth.
Minerals and Gemstones
Geology Section
Discover a dazzling collection of minerals and precious stones, a feast for the eyes.
Temporary Exhibitions
Various Galleries
Check for current immersive experiences like the Balloon Museum or Tim Burton's Labyrinth.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Save
Bag Storage & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎒 Bag Storage Options
Lockers are small; inquire about the cloakroom for larger items like suitcases.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to see everything!
💰 Thursday Nocturnes Discount
Entry is only €2.50 on Thursday afternoons.
🎟️ Brussels Card Value
Consider the Brussels Card for free entry to many museums.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎒 Bag Storage Options
Lockers are small; inquire about the cloakroom for larger items like suitcases.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to see everything!
💰 Thursday Nocturnes Discount
Entry is only €2.50 on Thursday afternoons.
🎟️ Brussels Card Value
Consider the Brussels Card for free entry to many museums.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
The museum is vast; plan for at least 2-3 hours.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Museum of Natural Sciences Brussels for its impressive dinosaur collection and engaging temporary exhibitions. The Thursday 'Nocturnes' are highlighted as a fantastic budget-friendly option. Some visitors note that the museum is very large and can be overwhelming, and that bag storage can be limited.
"This was an amazing experience. I'd highly recommend it for families with children of all ages.
It's easily accessible with friendly staff at all entries. Ramps and lifts are located in multiple areas which makes accessing the upper exhibition quite easy.
Exhibitions 14-18 are beautiful. Its a massive space- 2.5hours wasn't enough to cover the entire museum.
Downside: Bathrooms near Exhibition 4 and 5 are really stinking up the experience.
We visited in summer and there's clearly no AC in the Dinosaur Exhibition."
Assunta Beatrice
"A must visit with the Brussels pass. Very diverse selection with dinosaurs, ecology, animals, and geological sections. Very descriptive stands and markers. Navigation can be confusing but every section is worth seeing! Lots of interactive sections that kids will love. Locker storage is free and requested for backpacks but water can be brought in. There's a cafe with reasonable prices and very friendly staff and efficient service, they filled up my water bottle for free. Don't remember seeing a water fountain"
Nikita Kovalev
"The Museum is outstanding with so many categories of animals with Dinosaurs as the highlight of it. They are huge and so well preserved! And its just not only animals. There is so much history and science about Evolution too. One can easily spend a day here! We ran out of time later but one needs atleast 4-5 hours to get the whole experience. Must visit! Kids will love it."
rashida vohra
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is easily accessible by public transport. Take tram 94 or bus 38 to the 'Muséum' stop. It's also a pleasant walk from the European Quarter.
While there is parking available in the vicinity, it can be expensive and limited. Public transport is generally recommended for ease of access.
The museum has small lockers, but for larger items like suitcases, it's best to inquire about their cloakroom service.
Yes, the museum is generally accessible for wheelchairs, with elevators and ramps available in most areas.
Opening hours typically vary, but it's usually open from Tuesday to Sunday, with extended hours on Thursdays for 'Nocturnes'. Always check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Standard adult admission is around €13. However, on Thursday afternoons during 'Nocturnes', entry is significantly discounted to €2.50.
Yes, students, seniors, and children often receive discounted rates. The Thursday 'Nocturnes' offer a substantial discount for everyone.
It is highly recommended to purchase tickets online in advance, especially for popular temporary exhibitions, to guarantee entry and avoid queues.
Yes, the Museum of Natural Sciences Brussels is included in the Brussels Card, offering free entry and potentially other benefits.
For special exhibitions like the Balloon Museum or Tim Burton's Labyrinth, booking tickets well in advance online is crucial as they often sell out. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the impressive Iguanodon skeletons in the Dinosaur Hall, the vast Biodiversity Gallery, and the dazzling Minerals collection.
Yes, the museum often features hands-on exhibits and dedicated areas designed to engage younger visitors and make learning fun.
To fully appreciate the collections, plan for at least 2-3 hours. If you're visiting a special exhibition, you might need additional time.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed, but flash photography and tripods may be restricted, especially in certain exhibition areas. Check for specific signage.
The museum frequently hosts unique and immersive temporary exhibitions, ranging from the 'Balloon Museum' and 'Tim Burton's Labyrinth' to pop culture themes like 'Inside Out'. +2
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum typically has a cafe or snack bar where you can purchase refreshments and light meals.
While some water bottles might be permitted, it's generally advised not to bring outside food or drinks into the exhibition halls. Check the museum's policy.
The museum is located in an area with various cafes and restaurants, offering diverse culinary options for visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
The Dinosaur Hall with its towering skeletons, the vibrant Biodiversity Gallery, and any visually striking temporary exhibitions offer great photo opportunities. +1
Tripod use is often restricted to protect exhibits and ensure visitor flow. It's best to check the museum's specific photography policy upon arrival.
The Iguanodon skeletons are iconic and make for dramatic photos. Temporary immersive exhibits, like the Balloon Museum, are also highly photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Beyond the dinosaurs, the museum often features interactive exhibits and dedicated spaces designed to engage children, making learning about biodiversity and geology fun and accessible. Consider visiting during weekday mornings to avoid peak crowds, ensuring a more relaxed experience for little ones. While the museum has a cafe, packing some snacks and water can be helpful for younger children. The sheer scale of the museum means comfortable shoes are essential for everyone, so the kids can explore without getting too tired.
💰 Budget Travelers
Beyond the discounted entry, consider purchasing the Brussels Card. If you plan on visiting multiple museums during your stay, this card can offer significant savings and convenient access, including to the Museum of Natural Sciences.
Remember that the museum is vast, so prioritizing which exhibits you want to see can help you make the most of your visit without feeling rushed. ✨ Couples & Date Ideas
+1 The museum's often-changing temporary exhibitions, like the visually stunning Balloon Museum, provide a fresh and engaging experience for a memorable date. Consider a Thursday Nocturne for a more relaxed and atmospheric visit, perhaps followed by a casual dinner nearby. The museum's blend of educational content and visually captivating displays makes for great conversation starters and shared moments of discovery.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majestic Iguanodons of Bernissart
+1 The museum proudly displays over 30 of these nearly complete skeletons, meticulously arranged in lifelike poses that transport visitors back to the Cretaceous period. The sheer scale and preservation of these ancient creatures are awe-inspiring, making this hall a must-visit for any dinosaur enthusiast. These Iguanodons are not just scientifically important; they are a testament to the museum's dedication to showcasing paleontological wonders. The exhibition provides context about the discovery and the scientific significance of these fossils, offering a deep dive into prehistoric life. Visitors often express amazement at the size and detail of the skeletons, making it a highlight of their visit.
+1Exploring this hall is like stepping into a prehistoric world. The museum's presentation ensures that the Iguanodons are not just static displays but dynamic representations of ancient life. It’s a powerful reminder of the planet's long history and the incredible creatures that once roamed it.
+1Immersive Temporary Exhibitions
These special events are a major draw, attracting visitors with their visual appeal and engaging themes. They often cater to a wide audience, from families looking for a fun outing to adults seeking a unique cultural experience. The popularity of these exhibitions means booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, as they can sell out quickly.
Beyond the permanent collections, these temporary exhibitions add a dynamic and ever-changing dimension to the museum. They provide fresh reasons to visit and offer a different perspective on art, science, and popular culture, making the Museum of Natural Sciences Brussels a consistently exciting destination.
Budget-Friendly Visits: Thursday Nocturnes
These extended hours also provide a different atmosphere for visiting. While it can attract more visitors due to the discount, it offers a unique opportunity to explore the museum in the early evening. It's a fantastic way to combine a cultural outing with a budget-friendly itinerary, especially if you're already in Brussels for a short trip.
Taking advantage of the Thursday Nocturnes is a smart travel hack for anyone visiting Brussels. It allows you to immerse yourself in natural history without a hefty price tag, proving that enriching experiences don't always have to be expensive.
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