Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium Brussels
A vast complex of six museums showcasing Belgian and international art from the Middle Ages to the 21st century.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free entry for select museums!
Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium Brussels
Best Time
Free entry for select museums!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast complex of six museums showcasing Belgian and international art from the Middle Ages to the 21st century.
"A must-visit for art lovers, offering incredible collections with accessible free entry days."
🎯 Free Wednesday Entry
Enjoy free admission to the Old Masters, Magritte, and Fin-de-Siècle Museums every Wednesday afternoon.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time by purchasing your tickets in advance, especially for popular exhibitions.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Old Masters Museum
Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
Immerse yourself in masterpieces from Flemish primitives to Baroque giants like Bruegel and Rubens.
Magritte Museum
Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
Explore the surreal world of René Magritte, a cornerstone of Belgian surrealism.
Fin-de-Siècle Museum
Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
Discover art from the turn of the 20th century, showcasing a pivotal period in European art.
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry Days
Plan Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Wednesday Entry
Enjoy free admission to the Old Masters, Magritte, and Fin-de-Siècle Museums every Wednesday afternoon.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time by purchasing your tickets in advance, especially for popular exhibitions.
🚶♀️ Explore Multiple Museums
The complex houses six museums; prioritize based on your art interests.
🚇 Use Public Transport
Easily reach the museums using Brussels' efficient public transport system.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Wednesday Entry
Enjoy free admission to the Old Masters, Magritte, and Fin-de-Siècle Museums every Wednesday afternoon.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time by purchasing your tickets in advance, especially for popular exhibitions.
🚶♀️ Explore Multiple Museums
The complex houses six museums; prioritize based on your art interests.
🚇 Use Public Transport
Easily reach the museums using Brussels' efficient public transport system.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium for its extensive and diverse collections, particularly the Old Masters and Magritte Museums. The free Wednesday entry is a major draw, making world-class art accessible. However, some find the sheer size of the complex overwhelming and wish for clearer navigation between the six museums.
"Holy cow! Loads of world-class Belgian art in a climate-controlled atmosphere.
Well worth the visit.
The Caravaggio exhibit is worth the price of admission. In Bruges, the museum pass is worth it if you have time to visit all the great museums and climb the tower. But allow two days."
Edward Laue
"If you are an art fan, this is the right place for you! I loved it and would definitely recommend spending around 2 hours in there to indulge into each painting and get to see all the rooms. If you are a surrealist fan as well, I suggest buying a ticket for both Magritte museum and this museum for a better price (the 2 museums are next to each other)"
Wanderfly Travel
"Really good collection of old masters and Dutch painters. Well worth a visit just to see a number of Bruegel's paintings and a copy of an altar piece by Hieronymus Bosch - however there is plenty of other things to see. Worth buying ticket that includes Magritte museum as that is well worth a visit."
Nick hines
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium are easily accessible by public transport. You can use the metro, bus, or tram. Many travelers recommend using the public transport system and paying with a bank card, phone, or smartwatch for a faster and cheaper fare.
While public transport is highly recommended, there are parking garages available in the vicinity of the museums. However, these can be expensive and fill up quickly.
Yes, the museums are centrally located and within walking distance of many major Brussels attractions like the Grand Place. It's a pleasant walk through the city.
The metro lines 1 and 5 (Gare Centrale/Centraal Station) and lines 3, 4, and 5 (Parc/Park) are closest to the museums. Buses and trams also serve the area.
The museums are generally accessible, but it's always best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information on accessibility features and any specific limitations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on which museums you wish to visit. A combined ticket for multiple museums is often available. Check the official website for current pricing and any special offers.
Yes, the Old Masters Museum, Magritte Museum, and Fin-de-Siècle Museum offer free admission every Wednesday afternoon.
It is highly recommended to book tickets online in advance, especially for special exhibitions or during peak tourist seasons, to guarantee entry and avoid queues.
A general admission ticket typically grants access to specific museums within the complex. It's advisable to check the museum's website for details on what each ticket type includes.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and other groups. Please refer to the official website of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium for the most accurate and up-to-date discount information.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium is a complex comprising six museums: the Old Masters Museum, the Magritte Museum, the Fin-de-Siècle Museum, the Modern Museum, the Antoine Wiertz Museum, and the Constantin Meunier Museum.
Opening hours can vary by museum and day of the week. It's best to check the official website for the most current hours of operation before your visit.
Photography policies can differ between museums and for specific exhibits. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is allowed in some areas, but it's crucial to observe signage and ask staff if unsure.
To fully appreciate even one or two museums, allocate at least 2-3 hours. If you plan to visit multiple museums, consider dedicating a full day.
Guided tours are often available, providing deeper insights into the collections. Check the museum's website for schedules, languages, and booking information.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the museums typically have cafes or restaurants where you can enjoy refreshments and light meals.
The area surrounding the museums offers a wide array of dining options, from traditional Belgian eateries to international cuisine. Explore the streets around the museums for local recommendations.
Generally, bringing outside food and drinks into the exhibition halls is not permitted. However, you may be able to consume them in designated areas or before entering the galleries.
Museum cafes often offer a selection of options, which may include vegetarian or vegan choices. It's advisable to inquire directly with the cafe staff about their current menu.
Prices at museum cafes can be slightly higher than outside establishments. Expect to pay a moderate price for snacks, sandwiches, and light meals.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography rules vary. Non-flash photography for personal use is often permitted in general galleries, but check for specific restrictions on artworks or temporary exhibitions.
Tripods and selfie sticks are generally not allowed inside the museums to ensure the safety of artworks and the comfort of other visitors.
The architecture of the museums themselves, especially the grand halls and staircases, can be very photogenic. Specific artworks, like those by Magritte, also make for striking images.
The museums often encourage visitors to share their experiences on social media using their official hashtags, but always respect the rules regarding photography.
The official website of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium and their social media channels are the best places to find high-quality images of their collection.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on a single museum rather than trying to tackle all six to avoid overwhelming children. Look for any family-specific programming or activity sheets the museum might offer. For a more engaging experience, pair your museum visit with other kid-friendly activities in Brussels, such as exploring the Grand Place or visiting the Comic Strip Center.
💰 Budget Travelers
This is a significant saving that allows you to experience world-class art without spending a euro.Additionally, the Thursday afternoon 'Nocturnes' offer a reduced entry fee, making it another excellent option for an affordable cultural outing.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
Don't miss the Magritte Museum for a surrealist immersion, and the Fin-de-Siècle Museum for a crucial period of artistic transition. Consider dedicating a full day to explore multiple museums within the complex. For those with a broader interest in art history, Redditors also suggest day trips to nearby cities like Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp to see other significant collections, such as the Groeningmuseum or the Rubenshuis.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Six Museums
The Magritte Museum is dedicated to the iconic Belgian surrealist painter René Magritte, showcasing his thought-provoking and often whimsical masterpieces. Prepare to be challenged and delighted by his unique vision.
The Fin-de-Siècle Museum bridges the gap between the Old Masters and modern art, focusing on the art and culture of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It provides context for the artistic shifts leading into the modern era.
Completing the collection are the Modern Museum, the Antoine Wiertz Museum, and the Constantin Meunier Museum, each offering specialized insights into different periods and styles of art. Planning which museums to visit based on your interests will enhance your experience.
Affordable Art Experiences
This makes it an ideal mid-week activity for locals and tourists alike.Furthermore, on Thursday afternoons, the museums offer an affordable 'Nocturnes' entry, allowing visitors to explore the collections at a reduced price.
Navigating Brussels Public Transport
This integrated system makes exploring the city seamless. Whether you're coming from your accommodation or hopping between sights, understanding these payment options can significantly enhance your travel experience.
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