MIM - the Old England building - Horta art nouveau architecture
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Musical Instruments Museum (MIM) Brussels

4.4
·6k reviews·Bruxelles, Belgium

Explore 16,000 instruments from 200 countries in a stunning Art Nouveau building. Hear music come alive!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more immersive

CrowdLow
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MIM - the Old England building - Horta art nouveau architecture

Musical Instruments Museum (MIM) Brussels

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more immersive

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore 16,000 instruments from 200 countries in a stunning Art Nouveau building. Hear music come alive!

4.4
(6k reviews)

"It felt like time-travel through music, celebrating ragas and rhythms globally."

Vertical photo
TIP

⏳ Allow Plenty of Time

Plan for 3+ hours, or even two visits, to explore the vast collection.

🎧 Use the Audio Guide

Enhance your visit by listening to the sounds of the instruments.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.4 · 6,197 reviews

Type

History Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Global Instrument Collection

Global Instrument Collection

Throughout the museum

Explore 16,000 instruments from around the world, from ancient to contemporary. A true journey through global music history.

TikTokInstagram
Old England Building

Old England Building

Exterior and interior

Marvel at this iconic Art Nouveau masterpiece, a stunning architectural gem that complements the musical treasures within.

Instagram+1
Interactive Sound Experiences

Interactive Sound Experiences

Various exhibit areas

Hear how instruments sound! Many exhibits offer audio playback, bringing the static displays to life.

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Planning Your Visit

Allocate Ample Time

This museum is vast, housing 16,000 instruments from nearly 200 countries. Music lovers and musicians should plan for at least 3-4 hours, or even two separate visits, to truly appreciate the diverse collections and interactive exhibits. Reddit

Embrace the Art Nouveau Architecture

The MIM is housed in the stunning Old England building, a masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture. Don't just focus on the instruments; take time to admire the intricate ironwork and glass facade, a highlight in itself. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more immersive
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons (post-lunch)
Why
Tour groups thin out
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The MIM manages a world-famous collection of musical instruments and is is the world’s largest global musical instrument museum with a collection of approximately 16,000 instruments and music memorabilia from nearly 200 countries and territories housed in a 200,000 square foot building. It is housed in the beautiful OldEngland building in Art Nouveau style on the Mont des Arts, home to several o...
biancaluciarus
49 likes • 569 views

⏳ Allow Plenty of Time

Plan for 3+ hours, or even two visits, to explore the vast collection. Reddit+1

🎧 Use the Audio Guide

Enhance your visit by listening to the sounds of the instruments. Instagram

Yesterday, we walked into the Museum of Musical Instruments in Brussels and… I’m still not over it. Imagine standing in front of centuries-old instruments from every corner of the world and then actually hearing how they sound. It felt like time-travel through music. And when I reached the Indian classical section, my heart swelled with pride. To see our ragas and rhythms celebrated in this global...
nikunjkamraofficial
710 likes • 22.4K views
🎶 Exploring the Musical Instruments Museum (MIM) in Brussels 🎶 - this museum has turned out to be one of our children’s very favorites in the city. MIM is housed in the iconic Old England building—a stunning Art Nouveau masterpiece built in 1899. This architectural gem is worth a visit in its own right, with intricate ironwork and glass creating an unforgettable façade. The kids had a blast test...
cordonfamilyadventures
94 likes • 1.2K views

📸 Admire the Architecture

The Old England building is a must-see Art Nouveau gem. Instagram+1

🎶 Check for Concerts

The MIM often hosts live concerts, adding another layer to your visit. TikTok

The MIM (Musical Instruments Museum) is located in Brussels, Belgium, and it is dedicated to the history and diversity of musical instruments from around the world. The museum houses an extensive collection of instruments spanning various eras and cultures, ranging from ancient to contemporary. Visitors can explore unique pieces, interactive exhibits, and enjoy live concerts. The MIM provides an i...
modabani
2 likes • 22 views

Tips

from all over the internet

⏳ Allow Plenty of Time

Plan for 3+ hours, or even two visits, to explore the vast collection. Reddit+1

🎧 Use the Audio Guide

Enhance your visit by listening to the sounds of the instruments. Instagram

📸 Admire the Architecture

The Old England building is a must-see Art Nouveau gem. Instagram+1

🎶 Check for Concerts

The MIM often hosts live concerts, adding another layer to your visit. TikTok

🚸 Kid-Friendly Exploration

Children often find the interactive elements and diverse instruments fascinating. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.4
(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the MIM for its vast and diverse collection of musical instruments from around the globe, complemented by the stunning Art Nouveau architecture of the Old England building. The interactive audio guides are a highlight, bringing the instruments to life. Some find the sheer size overwhelming for a single visit, suggesting multiple trips for a thorough exploration.

"This museum exceeded my expectations in many ways. The audio guide was very informative and allowed me to discover several fascinating musical instruments, including some I had never even heard of before.
The layout of the museum is comfortable, with benches placed in and between rooms where visitors can sit and take a break. It’s a thoughtful detail that makes the experience more enjoyable.
The staff members were friendly, welcoming, and always ready to help, which added a positive touch to the visit.
Truly enjoyed my time here and will definitely come back again."

N J

"In this museum you are able to listen to samples of hundreds of musical instruments from around the world and across time. I think there are nearly 300 audio samples to listen to as you make your way through the multiple floors of exhibits. I will say, you could easily spend 3 hours here, and it can be a bit exhausting cause there is so much to see. As a tourist, it is not a quick museum to walk through. But as a musician it was fun to get inspiration for different instrumentation that I could use. Also, the audio devices can be a bit finicky/delay when selecting samples."

Renée Richardson

"The Musical Instruments Museum (MIM) in Brussels is truly a hidden gem and one of the most unique cultural experiences the city has to offer. Housed in a stunning Art Nouveau building overlooking the city, the museum is worth visiting for the architecture alone—but what’s inside is even more impressive.The collection is vast, beautifully curated, and spans centuries of musical history. From ancient tribal instruments to rare prototypes by Adolphe Sax (yes, the inventor of the saxophone!), every floor brings new surprises. What really makes the visit special is the interactive audio guide. As you move through the exhibits, you’re treated to recordings of the instruments being played—it brings the entire museum to life.

We especially loved the variety—from classical European instruments to folk and non-Western pieces—and how thoughtfully everything was displayed. The museum strikes a perfect balance between educational and immersive. Whether you’re a music lover or simply curious, this museum is a must. It’s engaging, beautifully designed, and perfect for couples or families. Highly recommended!"

Rezi Selimi

What People Like

Vast instrument collection
Art Nouveau architecture
Interactive audio guides

What People Dislike

Can be overwhelming
Requires significant time

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The MIM is conveniently located on the Mont des Arts. You can reach it by public transport, with several tram and bus lines stopping nearby. It's also a pleasant walk from Brussels Central Station. Instagram

While there isn't direct parking at the museum, there are several public parking garages within walking distance in the city center. Consider public transport for ease of access. TikTok

From Grand Place, it's a short and scenic walk up the Mont des Arts directly to the MIM. The route offers lovely city views. Reddit

The closest metro station is Brussels Central (Bruxelles-Central), which is a short walk from the museum. TikTok

Absolutely! The MIM is situated on the Mont des Arts, surrounded by other museums and cultural institutions, making it easy to plan a day of exploration. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets can typically be purchased online in advance through the official MIM website or at the museum's ticket counter upon arrival. Booking ahead is recommended, especially during peak season. TikTok

The museum generally opens around 9:30 AM and closes at 5:00 PM, but it's always best to check the official website for the most up-to-date hours, as they can vary. TikTok

Admission prices can vary, but typically an adult ticket is around €15. Concessions for students and seniors are usually available. Check the MIM website for current pricing. TikTok

There is no specific dress code for the MIM. Comfortable attire is recommended, especially if you plan to spend several hours exploring the museum. TikTok

Yes, the Brussels Card often includes free entry or discounts to many of Brussels' top attractions, including the MIM. It's a great option if you plan to visit multiple sites. TikTok

🎫 🎶 Onsite Experience

To fully appreciate the extensive collection, plan for at least 3-4 hours. Many visitors, especially musicians, recommend dedicating two separate visits to avoid feeling rushed. Reddit+1

Yes, the MIM offers audio guides that allow you to hear the sounds of many of the instruments on display, greatly enhancing the visitor experience. Instagram

Don't miss the global instrument collection, the stunning Art Nouveau architecture of the Old England building, and any special temporary exhibitions. The Indian classical section is also a highlight for many. Instagram+1

Yes, children often enjoy the MIM, especially the interactive sound exhibits and the sheer variety of instruments. It's a great way to introduce them to music from around the world. Instagram

Indeed! Many exhibits feature headphones where you can listen to the instruments being played, bringing the collection to life. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the MIM has a cafe located on the top floor, offering refreshments and light meals with panoramic views of Brussels. It's a great spot to take a break. Reddit

The cafe typically offers a selection of sandwiches, salads, pastries, and beverages. It's a convenient option for a quick bite during your visit. Reddit

The museum is located in the heart of Brussels, so you'll find numerous restaurants and cafes in the surrounding area, offering a wide range of cuisines. TikTok

Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the museum galleries. It's best to consume your own food in designated areas or before/after your visit. TikTok

While specific menus can change, most museum cafes aim to offer a variety of options. It's advisable to check with the cafe staff upon arrival for current offerings. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Photography for personal use is generally permitted in most areas of the MIM, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the delicate instruments. Always check for signage. TikTok

The exterior of the Old England building is incredibly photogenic. Inside, focus on capturing the unique designs of the instruments and the museum's interior architecture. Instagram+1

Professional photography or videography usually requires special permission and may incur additional fees. Contact the museum in advance if you have such plans. TikTok

Drones are generally not permitted in urban areas like Brussels city center, especially around cultural institutions, due to safety and privacy regulations. TikTok

A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial for interior shots. A wide-angle lens can help capture the grandeur of the building and the breadth of the exhibits. TikTok

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