Museum Voor Dierkunde Ulb Auguste Lameere

Visiting the Museum Voor Dierkunde ULB Auguste Lameere in Brussels: Hours, Tickets, Exhibits, and Practical Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

The Museum Voor Dierkunde ULB Auguste Lameere, located on the Solbosch campus of the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), stands as a beacon of zoological research, education, and public engagement in Belgium. Established in 1860 and named after the renowned Belgian zoologist and entomologist Auguste Lameere, the museum offers visitors a unique window into the diversity and evolution of the animal kingdom. With a collection spanning over 160 years and including thousands of specimens, the museum is both a vital academic resource and a cultural treasure open to all. This guide details the museum’s history, collections, practical visiting information—including hours and tickets—and tips for making the most of your visit in Brussels.

History and Origins of the Museum
Auguste Lameere: Scientific Legacy
Collections and Exhibit Highlights
Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
How to Get There & Nearby Attractions
Educational and Research Opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Plan Your Visit: Tips & Visual Highlights
References & Useful Links

History and Origins of the Museum Voor Dierkunde ULB Auguste Lameere

The Museum Voor Dierkunde is the oldest museum at ULB, officially established in 1860. Its roots are closely tied to a period of scientific expansion in Belgium and Europe. The museum honors Auguste Lameere (1864–1942), whose pioneering research in beetle classification and morphology laid the groundwork for Belgian zoology (ULB Archives). The foundation of the Institut zoologique Torley-Rousseau in 1926, under Lameere’s leadership, greatly enriched the museum’s collections and its role as an academic hub (ULB Archives, p. 3).

Auguste Lameere: Scientific Legacy

Auguste Lameere was a central figure in Belgian zoological science. His academic career at ULB, extensive research—especially on beetles (Coleoptera)—and active membership in international scientific societies established ULB as a center for zoological research (ULB Archives, p. 5). His legacy is preserved through meticulous scientific notes, drawings, and correspondence, now housed in the museum’s archives (ULB Archives, p. 3–6).

Collections and Exhibit Highlights

Scope and Structure

The museum houses thousands of specimens, with about 3,000 on display across 122 cases (nl.wikipedia). Exhibits are organized according to evolutionary relationships, allowing visitors to explore the animal kingdom from invertebrates to vertebrates in a logical, phylogenetic sequence.

Main Collection Highlights

Invertebrates: Extensive entomological holdings reflect Lameere’s passion for insects. Specimens range from simple sponges to complex arthropods.
Fish: The museum’s prized coelacanth (Latimeria chalumnae), caught in 1981, is a rare “living fossil” and centerpiece of the collection (sciences.brussels).
Amphibians & Reptiles: Skeletons and preserved specimens illustrate evolutionary adaptations.
Birds & Mammals: Skeletons and taxidermied specimens highlight comparative anatomy and diversity (sciences.brussels).

Thematic Galleries

Comparative Anatomy Gallery: Skeletons of mammals, birds, and reptiles arranged to facilitate anatomical comparisons.
Mammalian Diversity Gallery: Taxidermied mammals displayed to showcase ecological and evolutionary variety.
Research Alcoves: Highlight ongoing research from the Wallonia-Brussels academic community.
Digital Enhancements: Modernized in 2010, exhibits now include digital platforms for viewing small or transparent organisms.

Special Sections

Anthropology & Belgian Fauna: Adjacent galleries cover human evolution and native vertebrates, supporting regional biodiversity studies.
Temporary Exhibits: Rotating displays highlight current research themes.

Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Opening Hours: Open weekdays (Monday–Friday) from 13:00 to 17:00. Closed on weekends and public holidays. Always check the official website for updates.
Admission: Free for all visitors (Brussels Museums).
Location: Solbosch campus, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Avenue Franklin Roosevelt 50, 1050 Brussels (nl.wikipedia).
Accessibility: The museum provides wheelchair access and assistance upon request; for details see the Brussels Museums accessibility page.
Languages: Information and guided tours are available in French and Dutch, reflecting Brussels’ bilingual heritage (Lonely Planet).
Guided Tours: Tours for groups or schools are available by prior appointment.
Photography: Allowed for personal use; check with staff for restrictions during temporary exhibitions.

How to Get There & Nearby Attractions

Public Transport: Easily accessible via Brussels tram lines 8 and 93 (Franklin Roosevelt stop) and multiple bus routes.
By Car: Limited parking is available; public transport is recommended.
Nearby Attractions: Combine your visit with the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Parc du Cinquantenaire, and the Art Nouveau district of Ixelles for a rich cultural day out.

Educational and Research Opportunities

The museum supports undergraduate and postgraduate training in zoology, comparative anatomy, and evolutionary biology. Its collections and archives are available for research projects, thesis work, and scholarly access upon request (vliz.be). The archives preserve correspondence, scientific notes, and photographs documenting the development of Belgian zoology.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the museum’s opening hours?
A: Weekdays from 13:00 to 17:00; closed weekends and public holidays.
Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: No, admission is free.
Q: Is the museum accessible to visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, with ramps and elevators; contact the museum for specific needs.
Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, by appointment for groups and schools.
Q: Can I take photos?
A: Yes, for personal use; check staff for specific restrictions.
Q: What’s the best way to get there?
A: By public transport—tram lines 8 and 93 (Franklin Roosevelt stop).
Q: Are there nearby attractions?
A: Yes, including the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences and Parc du Cinquantenaire.

Plan Your Visit: Tips & Visual Highlights

Plan Weekdays: Visit Tuesday–Friday afternoons to avoid crowds; Mondays many museums in Brussels are closed (Lonely Planet).
Combine Visits: Explore other museums and parks nearby for a full day of cultural discovery.
Ask Staff: Museum staff can provide additional context and information on exhibits.
Weather Prep: Bring an umbrella or raincoat when visiting Brussels (Lonely Planet).
Explore Digital Resources: Use the Audiala app or museum website for virtual tours and multimedia content.

Visual Highlights

The rare coelacanth (Latimeria chalumnae) is a centerpiece of the museum’s ichthyological collection.

Skeletons in the Comparative Anatomy Gallery demonstrate evolutionary adaptations.

Entrance to the Museum voor Dierkunde Auguste Lameere on the ULB Solbosch campus.

References & Useful Links

Summary

The Museum Voor Dierkunde ULB Auguste Lameere is more than a collection of zoological specimens; it is a living institution that showcases Belgium’s scientific heritage and ongoing commitment to biodiversity education. With free admission, accessible facilities, and a central Brussels location, the museum welcomes a wide audience—from students and researchers to families and travelers. Its historic collections, modern exhibits, and commitment to research and outreach make it an essential destination for anyone interested in the natural world.