Atomium
Halfway between sculpture and architecture, the Atomium was designed and built for the Brussels World's Fair (1958), for which it was the flagship building and emblem. Representing an iron unit cell (9 iron atoms) magnified 165 billion times, the monument with its unique silhouette has, over time, grown to become the symbol of Brussels and Belgium.
On the inside the Atomium offers, not just the most beautiful view of Brussels, but also an entirely astounding and surreal ride through its interior spaces and volumes which alone makes a visit worth it.
The Atomium ticket automatically includes the entrance to the Design Museum Brussels (150m away).
Atomium
Van Buuren Museum and Gardens
Nestled in the heart of a listed Art Deco architectural and furnishing estate, the van Buuren Museum & Gardens unveils a cultural treasure of rare beauty. Erected in Uccle in 1928 by architects Léon Govaerts and Alexis Van Vaerenbergh, the villa embodies the very essence of Art Deco, preserving its international character influenced by Dutch and French schools.
Inside, an invaluable collection of rare furniture, signed carpets, stained glass windows, sculptures, and masterpieces offers a fascinating dive into art history. This residence, a true architectural gem, has remained intact over the years, thus preserving the integrity of the Art Deco ensemble.
The art collection of the van Buuren Museum & Gardens, reflecting the taste of the owners, offers a captivating overview of art from the 15th to the 20th century. It presents Belgian and international masterpieces, allowing visitors to discover the unique aesthetics of the van Buurens.
The van Buuren Gardens, designed by two of the most prominent Belgian landscape architects, Jules Buyssens and René Pechère, span 1.2 hectares, harmoniously combining picturesque elements and Art Deco. As witnesses of the evolution of the Nouveau Jardin Pittoresque, these gardens offer a unique, immersive experience through six distinct spaces. The recognition of the gardens by the European Route of Historic Gardens attests to their exceptional cultural, historical, and artistic value.
Since its establishment in 1970 by Alice van Buuren, the van Buuren Museum & Gardens Foundation has been committed to preserving and disseminating this cultural treasure. Open to the public since 1975, the museum offers a varied artistic program, enriching the cultural landscape of the region.
Van Buuren Museum and Gardens
Tootbus Brussels
Jump aboard the Tootbus Brussels and discover Brussels' sights and sounds. With 12 stops, this 100% electric bus invites you to explore the city as you please. Hop-on, hop-off and indulge in a gourmet experience, a cultural stop or a stroll to discover a neighbourhood. Climb aboard our double-decker buses and enjoy a breathtaking view of the capital's gems: the majestic Cathedral of Saint Michael and Saint Gudula, the imposing Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg, the charming Sablons district… Along the way, let our audio guides tell you the stories of these emblematic sites in one of 11 languages available. To accompany you on your exploration, the free Tootbus app even offers commented routes. Make the most of the capital at a reduced price with the Brussels Card. The Hop-on Hop-off option grants you unlimited access to our buses for 24, 48 or 72 hours. Try the Tootbus experience all over Brussels !
Transport
Tootbus Brussels
Cauchie House
The Cauchie House is one of the most exceptional Art Nouveau masterpieces in Brussels. Built in 1905, it was originally the home to Paul Cauchie and Caroline Voet, a couple of artists and decorators. The majestic sgraffito on the façade and the opulent decorations of the bel-étage served as a manifesto for their artistic skills. We invite you to join us for a guided tour to discover its history and unique artworks.
Open on the first weekend & the third Saturday of the month.
Individual guided tours, group guided tours, private and corporate events.
Cauchie House
Museum of the City of Brussels / The King’s House
Two majestic buildings that stand opposite each other on Brussels' Grand Place have a long-standing rivalry: on one side you have Brussels' City Hall, and on the other the Broodhuis (Bread House), a UNESCO World Heritage Site which houses the Brussels City Museum. The rivalry between these two buildings is no coincidence. In the 15th century, the Duke of Brabant replaced the 13th century wooden bread market building with a prestigious building that would be a symbol of his power and face off against the imposing building on the other side of the Grand Place that symbolised the city's independence. The building owes its French name of Maison du Roi (King's House) to Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, who once ruled over a large part of the globe and once owned the Bread House. After being destroyed in the 16th century, it was rebuilt in the Gothic Revival style in the 19th century by city architect Victor Jamaer.
But it's not all about the Broodhuis' history and facade. Inside the Brussels City Museum gives a comprehensive overview of Brussels' history, with particular attention given to the arts, crafts,urbanism and architecture . The original Manneken Pis is also housed here for security reasons, but as for his wardrobe, which is a thousand times larger than even the most passionate fashionista's, you can marvel at that in its dedicated museum on Rue du Chêne - Eikstraat.
Combined ticket giving access to the Brussels City Museum -Maison du Roi and the Garderobe MannekenPis.
Museum of the City of Brussels / The King’s House
Design Museum Brussels
The Design Museum Brussels, established after the acquisition of a private collection by the Atomium, is a place dedicated to design and its history. Since 2015, the museum's collection, the Plastic Design Collection, circumscribes the landscape of plastics in design from the 1950s to the present day. Alongside this collection, the museum opened Belgisch Design Belge, a new permanent exhibition space dedicated to Belgian design and its history.
Enriched by a programme of temporary exhibitions, the Design Museum Brussels also explores other fields of design creation and its impact on society and our daily lives.
Through exhibitions, guided tours, workshops, conferences and events, the museum aims to ensure that design is intelligible to one and all.
Design Museum Brussels
Hannon House
The Maison Hannon, on the corner of Avenue Brugmann and Avenue de la Jonction, was built in 1902, at the request of the couple Marie and Édouard Hannon, by their friend, the architect Jules Brunfaut. Conceived as a symbolist and dreamlike universe, the house is one of the masterpieces of art nouveau in Brussels, a union of Belgian and French art of the time.
Jules Brunfaut, unfamiliar with the new style, was inspired by other architects' houses, such as those of Victor Horta (personal house, Tassel and Wessinger hotels), Ernest Blérot (personal house, now destroyed) and Octave Van Rysselbeghe and Henry Van de Velde (Otlet hotel).
Combining the beaux-arts style with that of modernity, or art nouveau at that period, the Maison Hannon is a singular work, an intimate and personal house, bringing together the tastes and passions of its commissioners.
The Maison Hannon will open its doors to the public on June 1, 2023, as a house museum.
Hannon House
Belgian Beer World experience
Belgium, the land of beer? That's for sure! Belgium boasts more brands of beer than any other country in the world. And another unique feature: Belgian beer culture has UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status.
Belgian beer quite simply holds an extraordinary mix of influences, creativity and... Belgitude. Discover what makes Belgian beer so special at Belgian Beer World, more than a beer museum, an interactive experience!
Museums & tourist attractions
Belgian Beer World experience
René Magritte Museum (house)
The René Magritte Museum is situated in the house where the famous, surrealist artist lived and worked for 24 years (1930-54). Magritte lived on the ground floor and built in the back of the garden Studio Dongo, where he executed designs for publicity work. He painted most of the time in the living room annex atelier. In that room he would produce more or less half the amount of his paintings and gouaches.
The headquarters of the Belgian Surrealists was also in the Esseghemstraat 135, where they held their meetings on Saturday evenings and where they organized several tableaux vivants.
The Museum of Abstract Art is located in the adjacent building. www.abstractartmuseum.be
Visits at weekends: only via online reservation.
René Magritte Museum (house)
BELvue museum
Chips, beer and chocolates... surely there is more to Belgium than that? Democracy, prosperity, solidarity, pluralism, migration, languages and Europe: these are the themes used by the BELvue Museum to help you to discover Belgium. Each one is developed through present-day testimonials and then traced right through history. This is a modern, original way of gaining a fuller understanding of modern-day Belgium.
Have a look at the gallery too: there are more than 200 objects to view, each one forming a tangible memory of Belgium. Here are just a few examples: a lithograph by Magritte, a motorcycle, crystal vases by Val Saint-Lambert, and a football signed by the Red Devils. The very essence of Belgian-ness!
Speciale openingstijden op schoolvakanties en feestdagen 9.30 tot 17.00 uur
24/12 en 31/12 9u30 tot 16u00
Het BELvue Museum is elke woensdag vanaf 14u en de eerste zondag van de maand gratis toegankelijk.
BELvue museum
Van Eetvelde Hotel & LAB·An
Created in 2023 to celebrate the 130th anniversary of the birth of Art Nouveau in Brussels, the LAB·AN (Laboratory Art Nouveau) aims to enhance and promote this unique style and the general and specific themes associated with it. Through its exhibitions and activities, it takes a contemporary look at this Belgian, Brussels and international cultural heritage.
LAB·AN is located in the van Eetvelde building, one of Victor Horta's finest creations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The opening of LAB·AN in this extraordinary building makes the Hotel van Eetvelde, a jewel of Brussels Art Nouveau, accessible to the general public 3 days a week.
The LAB·AN x Hôtel van Eetvelde project is managed by the non-profit organisation Patrimoine & Culture, which is also responsible for managing the Halles Saint-Géry.
Van Eetvelde Hotel & LAB·An
GardeRobe MannekenPis
The incredible Manneken-Pis dressing room awaits you at 19 Rue du Chêne, a stone's throw away from the famous fountain.
A representative selection of more than one hundred costumes is presented according to seven themes: geography, folklore, charity and citizens’ associations, trades, celebrities and characters, sports and designers. They show the richness of this fabulous and uncommon collection, which today includes nearly 1,000 items! The sculpture’s clothing – which is a tradition dating back to the 17th century! – is still part of the folklore and historical heritage of the city of Brussels.
Combined ticket giving access to the Brussels City Museum -Maison du Roi and the Garderobe MannekenPis.
GardeRobe MannekenPis
Tram Museum
Trams, trolleybuses, buses, and taxis that have crisscrossed the capital for 150 years can be seen in these warehouses built in 1897. During the opening season you can make a trip with one of the historical vehicles and relive the atmosphere of the early 20th century on the Avenue de Tervuren and in the Sonian Forest.
A dedicated Museum line with old buses takes you to the areas between the Museum and the Place Royale: Cinquantenaire Park, the European quarter, the squares quarter…
Additionally, you can rent the vehicles as well as the museum halls for any kind of event.
Tram Museum
Museum of Abstract Art
The Museum for Abstract Art is the first one of Belgium and the fourth in the world. It is located just next to the house in Jette were René Magritte lived for many years (www.magrittemuseum.be). Both buildings are connected with each other.
The museum shows mainly Belgian, abstract art. A collection of more than 750 works of which a third will be shown permanently. The second floor contains the historical avant-garde from the 1920s, with important names such as Servranckx, Vantongerloo, Peeters or Flouquet. In the beginning Magritte also painted in this style and was a friend of them. The ground floor and the third floor contain the second generation of abstract artists (from the 1950s to the 1980s and further), including geometric and lyrical abstract artists (such as Alechinsky, Pol Bury, Bertrand, Rets, Delahaut).
Visits at weekends: only via online reservation.
Museum of Abstract Art
Macadam Gallery
Since 2012, Macadam Gallery has committed to defend artists whose research revolves around architectural language, mediums and perspective. Macadam is a promise of innovative creation in both content and form. Its artist crew works towards the visual experience and are committed to share a new way of seeing and perceiving. The dialogues between the gallery's emerging and established artists reflect Macadam's commitment to promote a vision of true art that is open to the world.
Macadam Gallery presents and promotes to its collectors works by Invader, Thomas Devaux, Johan van Mullem, Oli-B, David Mesguich, Jan Kaláb, Andrzej Urbanski, Daniel Mirchev, Emeric Chantier, Åsa Johansson, Jaime Poblete, David Moreno, François Bonnel, Sali Muller, Tomislav Topić, Esmaël Bahrani, James Austin Murray, Katy Ann Gilmore, RODA and more.
After more than ten years in the Marolles, this 2024 Macadam continues its art journey in a new location: Rue du Charme 34, 1190 Forest, Brussels.
Like the art that it represents, Macadam reinvents itself, changes its skin, and opens its doors in a new space where there will be exciting exhibitions, events and artist residencies. The team is thrilled and proud to welcome you into a new space dedicated to the promotion of sensibility and contemporary Belgian and international art.
Macadam Gallery
Bruxella 1238
Next to the stock exchange building, in the heart of Brussels, is a fascinating little archaeological site. It contains the remains of the Franciscan monastery founded in Brussels in 1238 and the tomb of Duke John I of Brabant. The foundations and various other objects offer a glimpse of an unknown side of the history of Brussels, and at the same time give a good idea of the different aspects of an archaeological dig.
Bruxella 1238
The Giant Wheel: The View
A new permanent tourist attraction in Brussels, the giant Ferris wheel known as "The View", invites you to climb high above the city and enjoy an unforgettable experience. As the highest point in Brussels, it offers you a breathtaking panoramic view of the capital. The giant Ferris wheel is itself illuminated at night, thanks to its multicoloured lighting, making it an imposing sight on the Brussels skyline!
The View was designed and developed following the success of the Budapest Eye. Like in Antwerp, it is 55 metres high and can accommodate 8 passengers per cabin, of which there are 42. Whether you are an adult, a child or a person with reduced mobility, The View is suitable for everyone and its semi-enclosed cabins give you a feeling of security. Open to all, it welcomes people of all ages, for an intergenerational experience.
First it was Paris, then Budapest, and now it's time to discover Brussels in a different way and enjoy a special moment with your family on "The View"!
Technical information:
Height: 55 metres
42 cabins, 6 people per cabin
An audio presentation of Brussels is available in each cabin
The Giant Wheel: The View
Erasmus House & Beguinage Museums
The Erasmus House, beguinage, and collegiate church of Saints Peter and Guido form a magnificent historical ensemble, right in the heart of the commune. Erasmus House – in which the famous philosopher and scholar stayed from May to October 1521 – is one of the oldest Gothic houses in the Belgian capital. It hosts a sublime collection of paintings, prints and sculptures by 15th-17th century masters like Albrecht Dürer, Hugo Van der Goes, Cornelis Metsys… not to mention portraits of Erasmus inspired by Hans Holbein and Quentin Metsys. A rich collection of 16th century books is a nod to the singular humanist’s thinking.
A medicinal plant garden – designed by landscape architect René Pechère – presents around one hundred medicinal plants that were known to 16th century physicians. Beyond it stretches a philosophical garden that is home to the works of contemporary artists like Marie-Jo Lafontaine and Bob Verschueren.
The beguinage of Anderlecht is Belgium’s smallest. Founded in 1252, today it consists of two wings framing an enclosed garden with its own well. It housed beguines right up until the French Revolution. The beguinage has been restored in depth and is once again open to visitors each 1st Sunday of the month with guided tours. Discover this entirely restored architectural jewel in a pristine state.
A new museum project is currently in the pipeline.
Erasmus House & Beguinage Museums
Brussels Comics Figurines Museum
Where Comics come to life !
The Brussels Comics Figurines Museum will immerse you in a private collection of figurines from the world of Belgian comics (Tintin, Spirou, The Smurfs...), American comics (Spider-Man, Batman...), mangas and many others.
You will also find these characters in other formats: with video games, explanatory videos or during a projection of cartoons in a period movie theater.
This immersive, sound-enhanced experience will appeal to the whole family. It will bring back many memories for adults and will also be suitable for the youngest: the visit is easily accessible, with very visual and colorful displays. Trip Advisor awarded the Moof the certificate of excellence in the year 2014 to 2024.
It is located in Brussels, behind the big statue of the white Smurf, in the HORTA gallery on LEVEL -1.
Brussels Comics Figurines Museum
LEGO® Discovery Centre Brussels
Step into the ultimate LEGO® adventure! With more than 3000m2 and 12 activity zones, the LEGO Discovery Centre Brussels is an immersive place dedicated to children between 2 and 12 years old and their families. Come play with over 2 million LEGO bricks, attend one of our creative workshops led by our Master Model Builders, embark on a train ride through a giant LEGO world, watch LEGO movies in our 4D cinema and much more! A place where imagination goes wild!
Opening hours may vary, check the schedule on: www.legodiscoverycentre.com
LEGO® Discovery Centre Brussels
Jewish Museum of Belgium
Located in the Sablon district of Brussels, the Jewish Museum of Belgium takes a fresh look at Jewish history and culture through exhibitions and activities focusing on sharing, discovery and accessibility for all sectors of the public.
The museum is currently closed for renovation work.
Jewish Museum of Belgium
Brel Foundation
Are you a fan of Jacques Brel who has always wanted to see Brussels from his point of view?
Driven by a spirit of transmission to the new generations, the Brel Foundation gathers, indexes and digitizes archives related to the work and life of Belgian artist Jacques Brel. Located a stone’s throw from the Grand Place, it offers a permanent digital exhibition where visitors can discover the multiple facets of the man’s talent in the Brel Chanteur and Brel Auteur spaces.
Visitors can also discover his career of singer and actor in our movie theater Ciné Brel. 5 screenings a day, Including the mythical concert "Les Adieux à l'Olympia" from 1966.
Movie programmation : http://fondationbrel.be/cine-brel-programmation/
Also, a walking tour with audio guide in the native city of the singer is available for anyone who wants to discover Brussels through one of his most iconic figures.
A little extra bonus: the Brel Foundation regularly organises film clubs in the presence of France Brel, one of the famous singer's daughters (only in French).
Tourist or great connoisseur, everyone Is welcome!
* The Brussels Card only gives access to the permanent exhibition of the Museum. The movie theater and the audio guided walking tour are additional activities.
Brel Foundation
Autoworld
An impressive historic building in Brussels, linked with automotive history, is home to Autoworld, the Belgian National Automobile Museum. Situated in the ‘Parc du Cinquantenaire’, the neo-classical building commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Kingdom of Belgium in 1880. From 1902 to 1936 it hosted motor¬car and motorbike exhibitions. Since 1986 it has treasured the major part of Ghislain Mahy’s renowned classic car collection.
Over 300 vehicles, ranging from cars and trucks to motorcycles, are on permanent display. From the earliest models of the dis¬tant past to contemporary cars that prefigure the automobile of tomorrow, visitors are guided through the motorcar’s history dating as far back as 1896.
Various cars representing the most exciting years of the auto¬mobile history since 1960 can be approached and admired from close by, thanks to a brilliantly designed scenography.
Special sections focus on sports and competition, cars owned by the Belgian Royal Family, micro and bubble cars, and car design. The Belgium at Autoworld section is dedicated to the roots and history of the Belgian car industry.
Autoworld is a museum on the move, with temporary exhibi¬tions taking on various automotive themes organised through¬out the year.
More detailed information on autoworld.be
Autoworld
Volume Brussels Pass
Looking for the best nightlife experience Brussels has to offer? Look no further! For only 48 euros, the Brussels Volume Pass gives you access for 48 hours to the top clubs of the capital. This incredible offer is an initiative of the Brussels Tourism Board “visit.brussels”.
The Brussels Volume Pass is the opportunity to enjoy Brussels nightlife, 48 hours long and for only 48 euros, with a skip-the-line access and unlimited entry to the 10 best clubs in Brussels.
Dive into the Brussels nightlife and discover what makes it a top destination for partygoers, thanks to Bloody Louis, Mirano, Fuse, C12, Spirito, Chez Ginette, UMI, Volt, Madame Moustache and Jalousy.
In addition to Brussels nights out, the Volume Pass lets you complete the experience with an extraordinary daytime activity, giving you access to the Atomium, the monumental architectural landmark that symbolises the capital of Europe.
The Volume Pass is an extraordinary nocturnal experience that’s unique in Europe! Discover it now!
Volume Brussels Pass
The Belgian Chocolate Makers (Sablon)
Founded in 2020 by Italian chocolatier Elisabetta Passafaro, The Belgian Chocolate Makers offer their Chocomeli brand handcrafted chocolates. Everything is handmade in their Brussels store. They select and roast premium cocoa beans from selected plantations (especially from Congo, Philippines and Haiti). In their boutique-workshop, a stone's throw from the Mont des Arts, watch them make their sweets and fall in love with their creations: chocolates, bars, figurines, lollipops, but also ice creams, sorbets, macaroons and waffles.
They organize chocolate workshops everyday to share their passion with their clients and visitors.
The Belgian Chocolate Makers (Sablon)
