Museum of Natural Sciences, Brussels - Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
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Museum of Natural Sciences Brussels

4.5
·14k reviews·Bruxelles, Belgium

Explore prehistoric giants, dazzling minerals, and diverse life forms at Brussels' premier natural history museum.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to explore

CrowdLow
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Museum of Natural Sciences, Brussels - Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Museum of Natural Sciences Brussels

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to explore

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore prehistoric giants, dazzling minerals, and diverse life forms at Brussels' premier natural history museum.

4.5
(14k reviews)

"A must-visit for dinosaur lovers and anyone fascinated by the wonders of the natural world!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎒 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!

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 14,424 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Iguanodon Skeletons

Iguanodon Skeletons

Dinosaur Hall

Marvel at the world-famous, nearly complete Iguanodon skeletons discovered in Bernissart.

Instagram+1
Biodiversity Gallery

Biodiversity Gallery

Main Exhibition Hall

Explore a vast array of animal specimens, showcasing the incredible diversity of life on Earth.

Instagram
Minerals and Gemstones

Minerals and Gemstones

Geology Section

Discover a dazzling collection of minerals and precious stones, a feast for the eyes.

Instagram
Temporary Exhibitions

Temporary Exhibitions

Various Galleries

Check for current immersive experiences like the Balloon Museum or Tim Burton's Labyrinth.

TikTok+2
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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Save

Visiting the Museum of Natural Sciences Brussels can get busy, especially with temporary exhibitions. Consider visiting on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds. Look for 'Nocturnes' on Thursday afternoons for a discounted entry of €2.50, a great tip for budget travelers! TikTok

Bag Storage & Accessibility

While the museum offers lockers, they are generally small and best suited for backpacks. For larger items like suitcases, inquire about the cloakroom service, which is often more accommodating. Reddit The museum is quite large, so comfortable shoes are a must for exploring its vast collections. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Crowd
Low
When
Thursday afternoons
Why
Discounted entry during Nocturnes
Crowd
Medium
When
During temporary exhibitions
Why
Unique, immersive experiences
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Tim Burton’s Labyrinth was 🍄🎩✨👰‍♀️ #timburtonslabyrinth #TimBurton #brussels #museum #exhibition #corpsebride
@uxavy
2M likes • 9.6M views

🎒 Bag Storage Options

Lockers are small; inquire about the cloakroom for larger items like suitcases. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to see everything! Reddit

MUST VISIT 🌍 Incredible. Details in caption 📍 #balloonmuseum #brussels #balloons #fyp #mustvisit #unseen #travel #travelcouple #adventure #travelling #bts Balloon Museum 📍: EmotionAir Brussels 💰: €28 entry They do have other locations too! EmotionAir is a unique exhibition that explores the profound relationship between art and emotions through the captivating medium of inflatable art.
@travel_couple_life
495.9K likes • 6.6M views
Have you heard about this amazing museum in Brussels? ❗️Price: 13€❗️ 🦖✨ Discover Dinosaurs at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences! 🌍🔬 Explore one of Europe’s most impressive dinosaur collections at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences in Brussels! Highlights include: Iguanodons of Bernissart: Marvel at the world-famous Iguanodon skeletons discovered in 1878. These 125-m...
alekseyukanastasia
34 likes • 1.5K views

💰 Thursday Nocturnes Discount

Entry is only €2.50 on Thursday afternoons. TikTok

🎟️ Brussels Card Value

Consider the Brussels Card for free entry to many museums. Instagram

Brussels, Belgium ❤️🇧🇪 The Natural Sciences Museum in Brussels is so much more than dinosaur bones (though the Iguanodons are pretty epic 🦕). 🦴 Fun Fact: The museum is home to over 30 Iguanodon skeletons, discovered in Bernissart, Belgium in 1878 — one of the most important dinosaur finds in Europe. Many of the skeletons are nearly complete and displayed in lifelike poses! 
From geology to biodi...
__franziiii
57 likes • 582 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎒 Bag Storage Options

Lockers are small; inquire about the cloakroom for larger items like suitcases. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to see everything! Reddit

💰 Thursday Nocturnes Discount

Entry is only €2.50 on Thursday afternoons. TikTok

🎟️ Brussels Card Value

Consider the Brussels Card for free entry to many museums. Instagram

⏳ Allow Ample Time

The museum is vast; plan for at least 2-3 hours. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(14k reviews)

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

Impressive dinosaur skeletons
Engaging temporary exhibitions
Affordable Thursday entry

What People Dislike

Large and can be overwhelming
Limited bag storage

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. TikTok

While there is parking available in the vicinity, it can be expensive and limited. Public transport is generally recommended for ease of access. TikTok

The museum has small lockers, but for larger items like suitcases, it's best to inquire about their cloakroom service. Reddit

Yes, the museum is generally accessible for wheelchairs, with elevators and ramps available in most areas. Instagram

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. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Standard adult admission is around €13. However, on Thursday afternoons during 'Nocturnes', entry is significantly discounted to €2.50. TikTokInstagram

Yes, students, seniors, and children often receive discounted rates. The Thursday 'Nocturnes' offer a substantial discount for everyone. TikTok

It is highly recommended to purchase tickets online in advance, especially for popular temporary exhibitions, to guarantee entry and avoid queues. TikTok

Yes, the Museum of Natural Sciences Brussels is included in the Brussels Card, offering free entry and potentially other benefits. Instagram

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. TikTok+1

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the impressive Iguanodon skeletons in the Dinosaur Hall, the vast Biodiversity Gallery, and the dazzling Minerals collection. Instagram+1

Yes, the museum often features hands-on exhibits and dedicated areas designed to engage younger visitors and make learning fun. Instagram

To fully appreciate the collections, plan for at least 2-3 hours. If you're visiting a special exhibition, you might need additional time. Reddit

Generally, photography for personal use is allowed, but flash photography and tripods may be restricted, especially in certain exhibition areas. Check for specific signage. TikTok

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'. TikTok+2

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The museum typically has a cafe or snack bar where you can purchase refreshments and light meals. TikTok

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. TikTok

The museum is located in an area with various cafes and restaurants, offering diverse culinary options for visitors. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The Dinosaur Hall with its towering skeletons, the vibrant Biodiversity Gallery, and any visually striking temporary exhibitions offer great photo opportunities. TikTok+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. TikTok

The Iguanodon skeletons are iconic and make for dramatic photos. Temporary immersive exhibits, like the Balloon Museum, are also highly photogenic. TikTokInstagram

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