Art Deco style building in Brussels city center

Old England

Old England Brussels: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

In the heart of Brussels’ Royal Quarter, the Old England building stands as an enduring symbol of the city’s Belle Époque era and Art Nouveau innovation. Erected in 1899 by architect Paul Saintenoy, this striking structure originally served as a luxury department store and was later transformed into the Musical Instruments Museum (MIM) in 2000. Today, the Old England building offers visitors both an architectural marvel and a gateway to an exceptional cultural experience, boasting a collection of over 8,000 musical instruments from around the world. This comprehensive guide details Old England’s visiting hours, ticketing options, accessibility, and must-see nearby attractions, empowering you to make the most of your visit to one of Brussels’ most treasured landmarks (Lonely Planet; Visit Brussels; Bruxelles Ma Belle).

Old England building in Brussels on a summer day

Old England building in Brussels with clear blue sky in summer

Exterior view of the Musical Instrument Museum in Brussels during SOIMA 2015

Musical Instrument Museum exterior during SOIMA 2015 in Brussels

Exterior view of the Musical Instrument Museum in Brussels during SOIMA 2015 event

Historical Overview and Architectural Significance
Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, Accessibility
Transformation and Adaptive Reuse
Cultural and Symbolic Importance
Musical Instruments Museum Brussels: Visitor Guide
Nearby Attractions and Practical Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Suggested Images and Media
Conclusion & Call to Action
Reliable Sources and Official Links

Historical Overview and Architectural Significance

Historical Development

Situated at Rue Montagne de la Cour 2, the Old England building was completed in 1899 during Brussels’ economic and cultural flourishing. Its location near the Royal Palace and Place Royale placed it amongst the city’s most prestigious institutions. As a department store, it catered to the city’s burgeoning bourgeoisie with luxury goods, textiles, and imported wares (Lonely Planet; Bruxelles Ma Belle). The building survived both war and urban renewal thanks to its architectural distinction and public advocacy (Buttes-Chaumont Blog).

Art Nouveau Masterpiece

Designed by Paul Saintenoy, Old England is a celebrated Art Nouveau landmark. Its black wrought iron façade, sweeping arched windows, and turreted corner embody the organic, elegant forms typical of the style (Visit Brussels). The exposed iron skeleton enabled large open interiors and expansive glazing, allowing natural light to flood the space and enhancing the commercial allure of the original store.

Architectural Innovations

Inside the building, visitors find a harmonious blend of mosaic floors, stained glass, and ornate ironwork. These decorative elements, together with innovative structural engineering, set the Old England apart from its neoclassical and Beaux-Arts neighbors, highlighting Brussels’ shift toward modern artistic expression at the turn of the century (Buttes-Chaumont Blog).

Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, Accessibility

Visiting Hours

The Old England building, as the home of the MIM, is open:

Tuesday to Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed: Mondays and major public holidays (January 1, May 1, November 1 and 11, December 25)

Always confirm seasonal changes and early closures on the official MIM website.

Ticket Prices

Adults (18–64): €15
Seniors (65+): €13
Students (with valid ID): €8
Children (0–17): Free
Visitors with Disabilities & Brussels Card Holders: Free

Group rates and guided tours are available by reservation. Purchase tickets online for immediate entry and to avoid queues.

Accessibility

The building is wheelchair accessible, featuring a glass elevator, step-free main entrance, and accessible restrooms. Trained staff provide support for visitors with special needs. The museum’s layout accommodates wheelchair users throughout most exhibition spaces (visit.brussels).

Transformation and Adaptive Reuse

After decades as a department store, the Old England building was meticulously restored and reopened in 2000 as the Musical Instruments Museum (Wanderlog). This adaptive reuse preserved the architectural integrity while giving the landmark a vibrant cultural purpose. The interplay of historic design and modern museum functions creates a dynamic visitor experience.

Cultural and Symbolic Importance

The Old England building is more than an architectural treasure; it is a symbol of Brussels’ identity as a crossroads of tradition and innovation. Its transformation into the MIM reflects the city’s commitment to cultural preservation and creative reinvention. The museum’s global collection mirrors Brussels’ cosmopolitan spirit (Buttes-Chaumont Blog; White Rose Research).

Musical Instruments Museum Brussels: Visitor Guide

Museum Setting and Collections

The MIM houses more than 8,000 musical instruments, with around 1,200 on display at any time. Its four floors are organized by theme and era:

Basement: Mechanical instruments and early electronic devices
Ground Floor: Traditional European and non-European instruments
First Floor: Orchestral woodwinds, brass, and percussion
Second Floor: Keyboard and stringed instruments

Highlights include Adolphe Sax’s early saxophones, Chinese stone chimes, the Rottenburgh Alto Recorder, the Luthéal piano attachment, and the African kora (Bruxelles Ma Belle).

Interactive Visitor Experience

Audio Guide: Each visitor receives headphones that play music samples linked to exhibits, creating an immersive experience (brussels.info).
Workshops & Events: Regular concerts, demonstrations, and hands-on workshops are held for all ages (visit.brussels).
Languages: Information panels and audio guides are available in French, Dutch, and English.

Facilities

Cloakroom: For coats and bags.
Museum Shop: Music-themed gifts, books, and souvenirs.
Library: Specializing in musicology.
Rooftop Restaurant: On the 10th floor, offering Belgian cuisine and panoramic views.

Nearby Attractions and Practical Tips

Top Attractions Within Walking Distance

Royal Palace of Brussels – 5 minutes
BELvue Museum – 2 minutes
Coudenberg Palace Ruins – 2 minutes
Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium – 3 minutes
Magritte Museum – 1 minute
Grand Place – 10–15 minutes

The Mont des Arts district is rich with landscaped gardens, art galleries, and historical sites (The Broke Backpacker).

Practical Tips

Visit on weekday mornings to avoid crowds.
Non-flash photography is allowed in most areas.
Allocate at least 1.5–2 hours for a full visit.
The rooftop café is perfect for relaxing and photography.
The building is easily reached by metro (Parc/Park or Brussels-Central) and tram (Royale stop).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Old England/MIM visiting hours?
A: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 AM–5:00 PM (Saturday/Sunday opens at 10:00 AM); closed Mondays and major holidays.

Q: How much are tickets?
A: Adults €15; seniors €13; students €8; children and visitors with disabilities free.

Q: Is the building wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, with glass elevator, accessible restrooms, and step-free entry.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, in multiple languages; check the official website for details.

Q: Can I take photos inside?
A: Yes, without flash or tripods.

Q: Are there discounts?
A: Yes, for students, seniors, and Brussels Card holders.

Suggested Images and Media

(Alt text: “Panoramic view of Brussels from Old England rooftop café”)
(Alt text: “Musical Instruments Museum Brussels collection display”)

Conclusion & Call to Action

The Old England building is a unique blend of Art Nouveau beauty, historical resonance, and contemporary cultural vibrancy. Its adaptive reuse as the home of the Musical Instruments Museum offers an unparalleled journey through music, art, and architecture in the heart of Brussels. With accessible facilities, convenient visiting hours, and a prime location surrounded by top attractions, the Old England building is a must-see for anyone exploring the Belgian capital.