Cinematek

Cinematek Brussels: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Historical Sites

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Located in the vibrant heart of Brussels, Cinematek—also known as the Royal Belgian Film Archive—is a cornerstone of European film culture. Established in 1938, Cinematek preserves, exhibits, and celebrates the art of cinema through a world-renowned archive, expertly curated screenings, and interactive exhibitions. Whether you are a film enthusiast, a casual visitor, or an explorer of Brussels’ historical sites, Cinematek offers an immersive journey through the evolution of moving images, with a strong commitment to accessibility, education, and cultural engagement (cinematek.be, visit.brussels).

This comprehensive guide details Cinematek’s visiting hours, ticketing options, must-see exhibitions, accessibility features, and nearby cultural highlights, ensuring you make the most of your visit.

Essential Visitor Information

Opening Hours

Cinematek is open Tuesday to Sunday, generally from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with extended hours on select screening days. It is closed on Mondays and public holidays. As schedules may change for special events or festivals, always confirm current hours before your visit via the official website.

Tickets

Tickets can be purchased online or at the venue. General admission remains affordable, with discounts for students, seniors, and groups. Special events may require separate pricing. For current ticket prices and online booking, visit the Cinematek Tickets page.

Location and Directions

Cinematek is centrally located at Rue Baron Horta 9, 1000 Brussels, within the historic Palais des Beaux-Arts (Bozar) complex and the Mont des Arts district. It is easily accessible from Brussels Central Station—a three-minute walk via the Ravenstein Gallery. Nearby metro, tram, and bus lines (De Brouckère, Bourse, Gare Centrale) ensure convenient transit connections. Public parking is available at Interparking Albertine and Grand’Place (visit.brussels).

Full travel details and accessibility information can be found at Getting to Cinematek.

Accessibility

Cinematek is fully accessible for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. The accessible entrance is at Ravensteinstraat 23, with internal lifts connecting all public areas. Assistance and special accommodations are available on request (Cinematek Visitor Info).

History and Cultural Significance

Founded by Henri Storck, André Thirifays, and Piet Vermeylen, Cinematek has grown into a global leader in film preservation, research, and public engagement. Its collection holds over 70,000 films and a vast array of posters, documents, and equipment (Cinematek Official). As a member of the International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF), Cinematek collaborates globally to restore and conserve cinematic treasures, ensuring future generations experience the artistry and sociocultural impact of film (The Bulletin).

Cinematek is also a hub for education and inclusivity, offering workshops, lectures, and programs that foster film literacy. Initiatives such as the “Women and Silent Cinema” series amplify underrepresented voices and highlight cinema’s role in social dialogue (WFHI Conference).

Exhibitions and Collections

Permanent Collection: The Wunderkammer

The Wunderkammer is Cinematek’s interactive “cabinet of curiosities,” tracing the journey of moving images from ancient shadow play to the dawn of the cinematograph. This exhibition features optical toys, magic lanterns, zoetropes, praxinoscopes, and early cameras, offering a hands-on exploration of cinema’s mechanical origins (CINEMATEK – Visit). Detailed guides are available, and working mechanisms make the experience engaging for all ages.

Temporary Exhibitions

Cinematek hosts a dynamic calendar of temporary exhibitions and retrospectives. Recent highlights include:

Boris Szulzinger Archives (Mar 10 – Apr 10, 2025): A retrospective on the Belgian animator, with film screenings and archival displays (CINEMATEK – Visit).
Ulrike Ottinger: Theatrum Mundi (Dec 6, 2024 – Feb 28, 2025): Exploring the work of the German filmmaker and artist (CINEMATEK – Visit).
Women in Silent Film: A program highlighting women’s contributions to early cinema, presented in tandem with international conferences (Sabzian – Women and the Silent Screen).

All exhibitions are free of charge and often integrated with themed screenings and live events (CINEMATEK – Expos).

Film Screenings and Special Programs

Cinematek screens approximately 3,000 films annually, including anthologies, retrospectives, and rare works. The lineup ranges from silent classics—often with live piano accompaniment—to contemporary masterpieces (Cinematek Programme). Unique experiences include:

Concert Screenings: Silent films accompanied by live music.
Themed Cycles: Director retrospectives, genre explorations, and cultural spotlights.
Educational Events: Workshops, lectures, and Q&As with filmmakers and scholars (Cinematek Education).

Facilities and Visitor Experience

Cinematek features two cozy screening rooms, the Wunderkammer exhibition, a café perfect for relaxing post-screening, and a library with film literature and memorabilia (WhichMuseum Collection). For deeper exploration, the Viewing Space offers documentaries and interviews.

All spaces are accessible, and staff are available to assist with information and guided tours. Educational workshops and group visits can be pre-arranged (CINEMATEK – Contact).

Nearby Cultural Attractions

Cinematek’s central location allows visitors to extend their cultural journey. Within walking distance are:

Magritte Museum
Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
Centre for Fine Arts (Bozar)
Musical Instrument Museum
Mont des Arts Gardens
Grand Place

Combine your Cinematek experience with these iconic Brussels sites for a rich, full day of discovery (Visit Brussels Museum Mile).

Practical Tips and FAQs

Arrival: Arrive on time—late entry to screenings is not permitted.
Language: Films are usually shown in their original language with subtitles.
Duration: Allow at least 2–3 hours for a screening, exhibition, and café visit.
Accessibility: Use the BOZAR entrance (Ravensteinstraat 23) for barrier-free access.
Contact: For information or assistance, call +32 (0)2 551 19 19 or email [email protected].

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the visiting hours?
Tuesday–Sunday, 11:00 AM–7:00 PM (check online for extended hours and holidays).

How do I buy tickets?
Online via Cinematek Tickets or at the venue.

Is Cinematek accessible?
Yes, with adapted facilities and entryways for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.

Are guided tours available?
Yes, by arrangement. Educational workshops and group visits are also offered.

Can I combine a visit with other Brussels attractions?
Absolutely—Cinematek’s central location makes it easy to explore other museums and historical sites nearby.

Visuals and Media Enhancements

Virtual tours, photos of the Wunderkammer, screening rooms, and café are available on the official website. Alt tags such as “Cinematek Brussels screening room” or “Wunderkammer exhibition Cinematek” enhance accessibility and user experience.

Stay Connected and Plan Your Visit

Book tickets and check schedules online at cinematek.be.
Subscribe to the newsletter for updates on screenings and exhibitions (CINEMATEK – Newsletter).
Download the Audiala app for guided audio tours and real-time event updates.
Follow Cinematek on social media for the latest news and exclusive content.

Conclusion

Cinematek Brussels stands as a beacon of film heritage, innovation, and cultural education. Through its extensive archive, interactive exhibitions, and diverse programming, it offers a unique window into the evolution of cinema. Its central location, accessible facilities, and commitment to inclusion make it an essential stop for anyone exploring Brussels’ historical and cultural landscape.

Plan your visit today—immerse yourself in the magic of cinema, and discover why Cinematek remains a vital, living archive at the heart of Europe’s capital (cinematek.be, visit.brussels).