Antique string instrument exhibited at the Musical Instrument Museum in Brussels

Musical Instruments Museum

Musical Instruments Museum Brussels: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Visitor Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Situated in the heart of Brussels, the Musical Instruments Museum (MIM) is an essential destination for music lovers and cultural explorers. Founded in 1877, the MIM houses over 8,000 musical instruments from around the world, representing centuries of innovation, artistry, and craftsmanship. The museum is renowned not only for its extensive collection but also for its iconic Art Nouveau home—the Old England building—designed by Paul Saintenoy in 1899. This guide delivers all the vital information you need: from the museum’s fascinating history to practical details about visiting hours, ticket prices, accessibility, facilities, and travel tips, as well as recommendations for nearby attractions in Brussels.

(MIM History; Brussels Info; European Traveler)

Museum History and Cultural Significance

Origins and Growth

The Musical Instruments Museum began as part of Brussels’ Royal Conservatory, initially serving an educational purpose for students of music. Its foundational collections included the legacy of François-Joseph Fétis, a major Belgian musicologist, and a significant donation of Indian instruments by Rajah Sourindro Mohun Tagore in 1876. Under Victor-Charles Mahillon, the MIM’s first curator, the collection expanded dramatically, incorporating rare Italian and German instruments, and by 1924, it held over 3,600 items. The museum’s role evolved over the 20th century to include scientific research and public exhibitions, and it now boasts one of the world’s most diverse musical collections, encompassing historical, modern, popular, and non-European instruments. (MIM History; Selmer; The Vintage News)

Architectural Marvel: The Old England Building

The MIM is celebrated for its Art Nouveau home—the Old England building. Designed in 1899, this former department store is an architectural masterpiece, featuring an intricate iron and glass façade, ornate ironwork, and a distinctive turret. Its adaptive reuse as a museum in 2000 exemplifies Brussels’ commitment to preserving architectural heritage. The museum complex also includes a neoclassical building by Barnabé Guimard, adding historical depth to the site. (EAA; Brussels Info)

Visiting the Musical Instruments Museum Brussels

Location and Accessibility

Address: Rue Montagne de la Cour 2, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Neighborhood: Mont des Arts/Kunstberg, a prominent cultural district
Getting There: Easy access by metro (Central Station, Parc/Park), trams (92, 94), and buses. Walking distance from the city center and Brussels-Central railway station.
Parking: Limited; public transport is recommended.
Accessibility: The museum is fully accessible, with lifts, ramps, adapted restrooms, and tactile guidance for visually impaired visitors. (visit.brussels)

Visiting Hours (as of June 2025)

Tuesday to Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed: Mondays and public holidays (January 1, May 1, November 1 & 11, December 25)
Special Closing: Closes at 3:00 PM on December 24 and 31
Free Entry: First Wednesday afternoon of every month from 1:00 PM (NextStopBelgium)

Ticket Prices

Adults: €15
Seniors (65+), Groups: €13
Students: €8
Children under 18: Free
Holders of Brussels Card or European Disability Card: Free or discounted entry
Audio Guide: Included with admission
Family and combo tickets: Available; check official site for details

Purchase tickets online to avoid queues, especially during weekends and holidays. (Brussels Museums; Holidify)

Museum Layout and Collections

The collection is displayed across four main floors, each with a thematic focus:

Ground Floor: Belgian and early European musical instruments, plus rotating world music exhibits
First Floor: String and keyboard instruments, including rare pianos and decorated harpsichords
Second Floor: Wind instruments, featuring historic saxophones, brass, and woodwinds
Basement: Mechanical, electrical, and electronic instruments—music boxes, barrel organs, early synthesizers
Fourth Floor: Temporary exhibitions exploring diverse musical themes

Signage is available in French, Dutch, and English. Elevators and tactile guidance aid navigation for all visitors. (Brussels Museums)

Interactive Experience and Audio Guide

Visitors receive wireless headphones or audio guides, allowing them to hear nearly 200 authentic instrument samples as they move among exhibits. This immersive sound experience is a major highlight, bringing the collection to life. The museum also features a concert hall for live performances, a library for research, a workshop space, and regularly scheduled temporary exhibitions and events. (Selmer; 365.be)

Facilities and Visitor Services

Café/Restaurant: The top-floor restaurant offers panoramic city views (temporarily closed as of mid-2025; check ahead for reopening). Main courses average €15.
Picnic Area: Available for visitors bringing their own food.
Museum Shop: Offers music-themed gifts, books, and recordings; accessible without a museum ticket.
Cloakroom: For coats and bags.
Library: Open to researchers by appointment.
Restrooms: Accessible on all floors.

Special Events and Guided Tours

Guided Tours: Available in multiple languages for groups and schools; advance booking recommended.
Workshops and Concerts: Regularly scheduled; consult the museum calendar for details.
Temporary Exhibitions: Offer fresh perspectives on music history and culture.

Travel Tips and Recommendations

Arrive Early: Mornings and weekday visits are quieter.
Combine Visits: The MIM is surrounded by major museums and sights, making it easy to plan a full day in the Mont des Arts area.
Brussels Card: Consider for free or discounted entry to multiple attractions and public transport.
Comfortable Shoes: The museum spans several floors.
Photography: Generally not permitted inside the exhibits. Respect signage and staff instructions.
Children: The museum is family-friendly, but younger children may find limited interactive exhibits.
COVID-19 Measures: Standard health protocols in place; check for updates before your visit.

Nearby Attractions and Historical Sites

Mont des Arts/Kunstberg: Gardens, fountains, and panoramic city views
Magritte Museum: World’s largest collection of works by René Magritte
Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium: Includes Oldmasters, Modern, and Fin-de-Siècle Museums
Place Royale/Koningsplein: Historic square surrounded by neoclassical buildings
Coudenberg Palace Archaeological Site: Explore the ruins of the former royal residence
Brussels Park (Parc de Bruxelles): Nearby public park for relaxation
Grand Place/Grote Markt: The city’s iconic square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Bozar Centre for Fine Arts: Major venue for exhibitions and concerts
Other Museums: BELvue Museum (Belgian history), Museum of Illusions, Choco-Story Brussels (chocolate museum)

(WorldWildSchooling; Laure Wanders; Touropia)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Musical Instruments Museum Brussels visiting hours?
A: Tuesday to Friday, 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; closed Mondays and select holidays.

Q: How can I buy MIM tickets?
A: Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance. Online booking is advised, especially during busy periods.

Q: Is the museum accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, the MIM is fully accessible, with lifts, ramps, accessible restrooms, and tactile floor guidance.