Art & History Museum

The basics

The Art and History Museum in Brussels is Belgium’s national museum, and it houses the country’s most precious collections from across the globe. In addition to historical artifacts from Egypt, Greece, and Italy, the museum also has objects that showcase Belgium’s colonial past—revealing that the stories behind the artifacts often aren’t as pretty as the objects themselves. There is also a significant focus on art and textiles at the museum, with many exhibitions showcasing works from India, China, and indigenous Central America. There are exhibits on the Art Deco movement, an art and design revolution that started in the country.

Things to know before you go

• Tickets to the museum are €5 for adults and €4 for children and students.

• Some tours include skip-the-queue entry available to pre-book.

• The museum is vast, so plan enough time to ensure you see everything you want.

• The museum is set in the picturesque Parc du Cinquantenaire.

• Refreshments and public restrooms are available at the museum café and throughout the museum itself.

How to get there

The easiest way to get to the Art and History Museum is by the Metro, and the nearest stops are at Schuman or Merode, situated at either end of the Parc du Cinquantenaire. Plenty of bus routes can take you to the outer limits of the park, and if you feel energetic, it’s a pleasant cycle from the center of town.

When to get there

The museum is open from 9:30am to 5pm every Tuesday through Friday. It’s open from 10am to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays, and is closed on Mondays. There are never oppressive crowds in the museum, mainly due to its sheer size, but for a quieter visit, it’s best to try and get there in the late morning or during the middle of the week.

The Art and History Museum and the Parc du Cinquantenaire

Visiting Brussels is often a whistle-stop tour of chocolatiers, traditional bars, and a brief look at some of the city’s architectural delights. Make the time to visit the Parc du Cinquantenaire with the Art and History Museum at its heart—a ceremonial park built for the people of Brussels to enjoy some time with nature.