Five Unique Museums in Brussels

Like any major European city worth its salt, Brussels has a great collection of interesting museums. There are, of course, the requisite art and history museums—those that beautifully depict the story of Brussels’ life thus far. However, any avid museumgoer can understandably tire of seeing the same collections over and over. Luckily, in Brussels, it is easy to cure this boredom! Here are five of the city’s most unusual—and therefore exciting—museums:

Magritte Museum

Probably the most famous Belgian artist of all time, Magritte was a prolific painter whose legacy lives on today. Even those not familiar with surrealist art may have heard his name—and even those who have not heard his name may recognize some of his most iconic images: the suited man wearing a bowler hat whose face is covered with a green apple, for example, or the wooden pipe with the words “ceci n’est pas une pipe” (“this is not a pipe”) inscribed beneath. The Magritte Museum celebrates these and other visual witticisms. Since first opening its doors in June of 2009, the new addition to Brussels’ collection of museums is quickly becoming one of its most popular.

Belgian Comic Strip Center

The country that brought you the colorful adventures of Tintin has always had a soft spot for comics. And if you are young or simply young at heart, you may share Belgium’s love of the whimsical art form. At the Belgian Comic Strip Center in Brussels, you can learn everything there is to know about the history of classic comics. Light, easy-to-follow exhibits promise fun for the whole family. Meanwhile, the building itself is worth examining: Designed by the famous Art Nouveau master Victor Horta, the Belgian Comic Strip Center’s home is a local landmark and architectural monument.

The Musical Instrument Museum

Easily identified by its striking Art Nouveau façade, this Brussels museum is as famous for its architecture as it is for its exhibits. Throughout the building, you will find fascinating displays that celebrate the history of music from around the world. Ancient and modern instruments have been carefully organized and labeled with their names, countries of origin, and dates. Upon entering the Musical Instrument Museum, you will be provided with a set of infrared-controlled headphones. Stand next to a particular instrument, and you will hear its music played on the headphones. The beautiful museum is also home to a concert hall and a panoramic rooftop restaurant.

Musée Bruxellois de la Gueuze

Belgian beer is undoubtedly one of the country’s greatest exports, and a major reason to visit the city of Brussels. Instead of merely sampling the hearty, frothy brew in a pub, why not take a tour of a working brewery? The Musée Bruxellois de la Gueuze serves dual purposes as a beer museum and the headquarters of Cantillon, the last label to make their beer in the traditional Brussels style (fermented not by the addition of yeast, but by leaving the liquid open to the skies and nature’s whims.) The resulting beer is called a “lambic” (or a “gueuze” when aged) and the price of your museum tour includes a glass.

Musée du Cacao et du Chocolat

What would a visit to Belgium be without chocolate? Instead of finding out, head to the Musée du Cacao et du Chocolat near the Grand Place! Housed within the historic Valk mansion that was once a brewery, this Brussels museum is truly a local landmark. The exhibits within the historic walls pay homage to the country’s sweetest pastime: the making—and consuming—of all things chocolate. Informative displays teach visitors about the history of chocolate (beginning with the first cultivation of cocoa beans by the Aztecs) while a master chocolatier handcrafts mouthwatering masterpieces right before your eyes. After witnessing such a splendid, sugary display, you will probably be hungry. Luckily, the Musée du Cacao et du Chocolat has a gift shop wherein you may purchase what you are craving.

Recommended hotels in Brussels: the NH Grand Place Arenberg, the Sofitel Brussels Le Louise