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Home Art And History Museum Plan Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to the Art and History Museum Brussels – Tickets, Timings & Tips

Preparing your visit to the Art & History Museum allows you to fully appreciate its extensive collections and unique architectural features.

Operating Hours of Art and History Museum in Brussels

  • Regular Hours: - Tuesday to Friday: 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
    - Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
    - Ticket Sales End: 4:00 p.m. (Last entry with ticket at 4:15 p.m.)
    - Gallery Closing Time: 4:45 p.m. Museum Closes: 5:00 p.m.
  • Special Dates: - December 24 & 31: Museum closes at 3:00 p.m.
    - Last tickets: 2:00 p.m.
    - Galleries close: 2:45 p.m.
  • Closed On: Mondays, January 1, May 1, November 1 & 11, and December 25.

Best Times to Visit the Art and History Museum in Brussels

Mornings Right After Opening (9:30 AM – 11:30 AM)

Arriving early allows you to explore the museum’s collections of art, archaeology and history in quieter galleries. It is a good time to take your time with the exhibits at your own pace.

Weekdays, Especially Tuesday Through Thursday

Midweek visits generally see fewer visitors than weekends, providing a calmer and more reflective experience. You can spend extra time with the exhibits without feeling rushed.

Plan Your Time

The museum suggests allowing about 90 minutes for a visit. If you want to see everything, plan on half a day to a full day, and remember that ticket sales end at 4:00 p.m.

During Special Exhibitions and Programs

The Art and History Museum presents temporary exhibitions, workshops and guided tours. Check the museum’s calendar and plan your visit around these events to see more during your stay.

Where to Find the Art and History Museum in Brussels

  • Location The Art and History Museum is situated within the scenic Cinquantenaire Park, making it easy to combine your visit with a stroll through the park and its iconic monuments. It is well connected by public transport, and there are cafés and cultural attractions nearby.
  • Address Art and History Museum (Musées Royaux d’Art et d’Histoire)
    Parc du Cinquantenaire / Jubelpark 10
    1000 Brussels, Belgium

How to Get to the Art and History Museum, Brussels?

By Car:

The esplanade in front of the museum is restricted to certain vehicles, so park in the streets around the park or in a public car park within walking distance, such as My Park (Galerie du Cinquantenaire), BePark Place Saint-Pierre or Parking Rue des Tongres.

Brussels is a Low Emission Zone (LEZ), so check your vehicle’s compliance before you travel. Using public transport is often easier, especially on weekends.

By Metro & Tram:

Schuman (metro lines 1 and 5) is the nearest station, and Merode (also lines 1 and 5) is within walking distance. Both are also railway stations.

Tram 81 stops at Merode; check STIB for current service, as roadworks can affect the line. Tickets can be purchased via the STIB/MIVB app or at stations.

By Bus:

STIB/MIVB bus lines 22, 27 and 80 stop at Gaulois (Galliërs), and line 61 stops at Merode.

Buses are an affordable and reliable option, connecting the museum to central Brussels and surrounding neighborhoods.

By Bike or Walking:

The museum is within walking distance of several central Brussels neighborhoods, including the European Quarter and Cinquantenaire area hotels.

Cycling is popular in Brussels, with bike lanes and rental options nearby. Walking or biking allows visitors to enjoy the park, gardens and nearby monuments before reaching the museum.

Dining and Shopping at the Art and History Museum, Brussels

Dining at the Art and History Museum, Brussels

  • Gédéon - Museum Coffee Shop Gédéon is the coffee shop inside the Art and History Museum in Cinquantenaire Park. According to the museum’s website it is currently temporarily closed, so please check before your visit.
  • Other Options: Cafés and restaurants around the Parc du Cinquantenaire and in the nearby Merode and Schuman neighborhoods offer plenty of alternatives for a lunch or coffee break.

Shopping at the Art and History Museum, Brussels

  • Museum Shop - Souvenirs & Gifts: The Art and History Museum has a museum shop where art lovers and history buffs can pick up keepsakes of their visit. You can visit the shop without buying a museum ticket.
  • What to Shop: Specialised and general publications, a children’s corner, jewellery, glassware, ceramics, textiles and plaster casts.
  • Timings: - Tuesday to Friday: 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
    - Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

    The shop is closed on Mondays, January 1, May 1, November 1 & 11, and December 25.

Things to Know Before Visiting the Art and History Museum, Brussels

  • Restrooms Restrooms and an adapted toilet are available in the museum.
  • Dining Options The museum’s Gédéon coffee shop is listed as temporarily closed on the museum’s website, so check before your visit. There are cafés and restaurants around the park.
  • Museum Store The museum shop offers publications, a children’s corner, jewellery, glassware, ceramics, textiles and plaster casts. You can visit it without a museum ticket.
  • Parking The esplanade in front of the museum is restricted. Parking is possible in the streets around the park or in public car parks within walking distance.
  • Lockers Free lockers are available. Ask for your token at the welcome desk. Large bags, backpacks and umbrellas should always be stored there.
  • Museum Plan A plan of the galleries can be downloaded from the museum’s website before your visit.

Tickets for the Art and History Museum

Highlights

See Egyptian sarcophagi, Greek vases, and a large mosaic floor from Apamea.

Explore a model of Ancient Rome and a collection of pre-Columbian art.

Marvel at a giant Easter Island statue.

Trace the progression of civilizations across a vast, wide-ranging collection.

Brussels Card: 49 Attractions + Discounts

Highlights

Visit top museums including Autoworld, the Belgian Chocolate Village, and the Museum of the City of Brussels.

Explore niche spots like the Belgian Brewers Museum and the Sewers Museum.

Visit any included museum as many times as you like within your validity window.

Get discounts on other attractions, guided tours, shops, restaurants, and bars.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting the Art and History Museum, Brussels

1. What are the museum’s opening hours?

The museum is open Tuesday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Ticket sales end at 4:00 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays, January 1, May 1, November 1 & 11, and December 25.

2. How can I buy tickets for the museum?

Tickets can be purchased online or at the welcome desk and kiosks at the museum entrance. Because the number of tickets per time slot is limited, booking online in advance is recommended, especially at weekends.

3. Are guided tours available?

Yes. Guided tours and workshops can be booked on request for groups, at least three weeks in advance. Individual visitors can join an introductory tour on selected dates listed in the museum’s calendar.

4. Is the museum wheelchair accessible?

Largely yes. Wheelchair users and pushchairs enter through the door to the right of the main staircase (ring the bell), wheelchairs are available and there is an adapted toilet. Some rooms (the Asian continent and the Hoffmann exhibition) are not accessible to wheelchairs or pushchairs.

5. Are children allowed in the museum?

Yes. Children and adolescents are welcome, and the museum offers family trails and workshops. Check the museum’s calendar for family activities.

6. Can I take photographs inside the museum?

Photo shoots require a reportage ticket. For personal photography, please check the museum’s visitors’ regulation or ask the staff on arrival.

7. Is there a café or restaurant inside the museum?

The Gédéon coffee shop is listed as temporarily closed on the museum’s website, so check before your visit. There are cafés and restaurants around the park.

8. Where can I park near the museum?

The esplanade in front of the museum is restricted. You can park in the streets around the park or in public car parks within walking distance, such as My Park (Galerie du Cinquantenaire), BePark Place Saint-Pierre or Parking Rue des Tongres. Public transport is recommended at weekends.

9. Are there any special events or temporary exhibitions?

Yes. The museum presents temporary exhibitions, workshops and cultural events. Check the museum’s calendar and temporary exhibitions pages before planning your visit.

This website sells official tickets for this venue. Please note, however, that it is not the official website of the venue.

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