Art & History Museum

What the museum is

The Art & History Museum in Brussels, also known as the Royal Museums of Art and History, brings together collections from Belgium and cultures around the world. Its more than 600,000 objects span millennia, from prehistoric artifacts and Egyptian antiquities to European decorative arts, pre-Columbian objects and Islamic art. The museum also presents interactive displays and takes part in research, conservation and educational programs.

Discover the Art & History Museum

History

The museum’s origins date to 1798, during the French occupation of the Southern Netherlands. The idea of collecting objects of scientific and artistic merit for public display led to the founding of the “Musée des produits de l’industrie nationale” (Museum of National Industry Products) in Brussels.

In 1802, the museum received approximately 200 paintings and sculptures confiscated from churches and public institutions during the French Revolution. As interest in art and history grew, the collection and institution expanded.

In 1835, around the birth of independent Belgium, the museum was renamed the “Musée royal de peinture et de sculpture modernes” (Royal Museum of Modern Painting and Sculpture) and moved to the former palace of Charles of Lorraine. The government saw the museum as a way to showcase Belgian heritage and foster national identity.

During King Leopold II’s reign, from 1865 to 1909, the museum underwent major expansion. In 1887, it moved to its current home in Cinquantenaire Park, which had been created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Belgian independence. Architect Gédéon Bordiau designed the building in the neoclassical style.

The institution was renamed the “Musées royaux des Arts décoratifs et industriels” (Royal Museums of Decorative and Industrial Arts), and its collections broadened to include decorative arts, furniture, textiles and archaeological finds. It also acquired a significant collection of artifacts from the Belgian Congo during this period, a controversial part of its history that continues to be debated and addressed.

In 1946, it became the “Musées royaux d’Art et d’Histoire” (Royal Museums of Art and History). Throughout the 20th century, acquisitions, donations and archaeological excavations further expanded its collections. During the two World Wars, the museum worked to safeguard them from destruction.

Today, the museum continues to develop its collections and present a nuanced, inclusive account of history. It also carries out research and conservation and offers educational programs.

What to see

Archaeology

• Prehistory Artifacts from the Paleolithic to the Iron Age, including tools, weapons and pottery, illustrate early human presence in Belgium.
• Gallo-Roman period Mosaics, sculptures and everyday objects offer a glimpse of life in Belgium during the Roman Empire.
• Merovingian and Frankish collections Jewelry, weaponry and religious objects from the Merovingian and Carolingian dynasties show artistic and cultural developments of the early Middle Ages.

Decorative arts of Europe

• Medieval art Sculptures, tapestries and religious artifacts include Romanesque-style capitals from the Abbey of Stavelot and Burgundian tapestries.
• Renaissance and Baroque art Furniture, ceramics and silverware reflect the craftsmanship and opulence of these periods.
• 18th- and 19th-century decorative arts Furniture, glassware and ceramics trace changing styles and social and artistic trends.

Non-European civilizations

• Ancient Egypt Sarcophagi, mummies, statues and funerary objects offer insights into ancient Egyptian beliefs and practices.
• Classical antiquity Sculptures, pottery and jewelry represent the art and culture of ancient Greece and Rome.
• Asian arts Ceramics, sculptures and textiles highlight traditions from China, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia.
• Pre-Columbian America Ceramics, textiles and goldwork from various cultures offer insights into their beliefs, rituals and artistic expression.
• Oceania and Indonesia Masks, sculptures and ceremonial objects represent the artistic traditions of the Pacific Islands and Indonesia.

Notable collections and exhibits

• The Bruegel Room Dedicated to Pieter Bruegel the Elder, the room includes “The Census at Bethlehem” and “The Wine of Saint Martin’s Day,” offering a glimpse of 16th-century Flemish life and the artist’s vision.
• The Egyptian collection One of the most significant in Europe, it includes sarcophagi, mummies and statues. Highlights include the well-preserved tomb of the priest Imeneminet and a statue of the goddess Sekhmet.
• The Musical Instruments Collection More than 8,000 instruments from around the world show the diversity and development of musical traditions.
• The Tapestry Collection Flemish tapestries include the 16th-century “David and Bathsheba” series.
• The Art Nouveau Collection Furniture, glassware and jewelry by Belgian designers including Henry van de Velde and Victor Horta showcase this style, which flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Practical visiting information

Opening hours

The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. It is closed on Mondays and select public holidays; another listing describes it as closed on Mondays and public holidays. Check the museum’s official website for schedule changes.

Tickets

General admission for adults is listed as €10.00; the ticket price list gives the adult price as €10. Seniors aged 65 and over pay €8, and students with valid ID pay €5. Discounts are also available for groups. Children under 18 enter free. Special exhibitions may have separate ticket prices.

Entry is free on the first Wednesday of each month from 1:00 PM. Buying tickets online in advance can help avoid long queues.

Ticket Information

Tours, events and accessibility

Guided tours are offered in multiple languages. Temporary exhibitions, workshops and other special events are frequently held; check the museum’s official website for updates.

The museum is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators. Wheelchairs and strollers can be borrowed at the reception desk. Guide dogs are welcome, and tactile tours are available for visitors with visual impairments. Check the museum’s website for more detailed accessibility information.

Accessibility Information

Amenities

The museum has a café and a gift shop.

Tips

The museum is accessible by public transport. The nearest metro station is Merode, and several bus lines stop nearby.

To avoid crowds, consider visiting on a weekday and arriving early.

Nearby places

• Cinquantenaire Park / Parc du Cinquantenaire The park surrounding the museum has archways and gardens. It also offers additional museums and exhibitions.
• European Parliament Located nearby, it is a place to learn about political history and contemporary European affairs.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of the Art & History Museum?

The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. It is closed on Mondays and select public holidays; another listing says it is closed on Mondays and public holidays.

How much are tickets to the Art & History Museum?

Adult admission is listed as €10.00, while the ticket price list gives the adult price as €10. Seniors aged 65 and over pay €8, students with valid ID pay €5, and children under 18 enter free. Discounts are also available for groups.

Is the museum accessible for visitors with disabilities?

Yes. The museum has ramps and elevators and is wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs and strollers can be borrowed at reception. Guide dogs are welcome, and tactile tours are available for visitors with visual impairments.