BELvue Museum - Plan Your Visit

Prepare for an enriching experience by planning your visit to the BELvue Museum, a dynamic space dedicated to Belgium’s history and democratic heritage.

BELvue Museum - Ticket Information

Purchase Options: Tickets for the BELvue Museum can be bought online in advance, which is recommended to guarantee your preferred visit date and to avoid queues. On-site ticket purchase may be available subject to capacity.

Types of Tickets: This site offers the following tickets:

BELvue Museum: Entrance ticket + Audio guide
Brussels Card: 49 Attractions + Discounts - Combo ticket to multiple Brussels attractions

BELvue Museum - Essential Visitor Info

Timings
Address & Directions
Facilities
Accessibility

The BELvue Museum is open to visitors during these hours:

Tuesday to Friday: 9:30 AM - 5 PM

Saturday, Sunday: 10 AM - 6 PM

July and August: 10 AM - 6 PM

24 and 31 December: 9:30 AM - 4 PM

Mondays: Closed (open only to groups with a reservation)

Closed on 1 Jan, 21 July and 25 Dec.

Good to Know Before Visiting the BELvue Museum

The museum is closed on Mondays except for groups with a reservation, and on 1 January, 21 July and 25 December.

Entry to the museum is free for everyone every Wednesday afternoon starting from 2 PM.

Admission is also free on the first Sunday of every month, and children under 18 can always visit free of charge.

The museum is right next to the Royal Palace, so access in the area can occasionally be affected during official events.

The permanent exhibition has seven rooms, each built around a theme such as democracy, prosperity or solidarity, plus a gallery of over 200 Belgian objects.

Allow about 90 minutes for a full visit.

Large bags and umbrellas should be left in the free lockers near the reception area before you enter the galleries.

The digital audio guide runs on your own smartphone, with free Wi-Fi in the museum, and is available in Dutch, French, German and English.

The museum has ramps, lifts, accessible routes and adapted toilets, and it is fully accessible for buggies.

If you are visiting with children aged 3 to 12, ask at the reception desk for a game trail suited to their age.

BELvue Museum - Additional Info

Dining
Souvenir Store

The museum’s on-site restaurant has closed, and the museum is working to offer a new catering service as soon as possible.

Until then, visitors can find cafés and restaurants nearby in the city centre, which makes it easy to take a break during a day of sightseeing in the Royal Quarter.

The Brussels Park, right next to the museum, is also a pleasant place to relax before or after your visit.

BELvue Museum - Nearby Attractions

Royal Palace of Brussels: Located directly next to the museum, the Royal Palace of Brussels serves as the official administrative residence of the Belgian King. While the palace is used for state functions, it traditionally opens its grand rooms to the public for free tours during the summer months. It features impressive 19th-century architecture and lavish interior decor. The Royal Palace houses the Throne Room and the famous Mirror Room with its ceiling covered in jewel-beetle wings.

Coudenberg Palace: A staircase links the museum’s cellar level to the Coudenberg archaeological site, where visitors can explore the underground remains of the former palace of Charles V. This site offers a unique perspective on the medieval foundations of the city. It consists of a network of subterranean vaults and historical cellars, and includes the remains of the Aula Magna, the great hall used for royal ceremonies. A combined ticket for the BELvue and the Coudenberg is available.

Brussels Park: Directly across from the museum and the Royal Palace, Brussels Park is a large public park in the city center. This neoclassical green space is designed with symmetrical paths and is a popular spot for a quiet stroll or a rest between museum visits. The park contains numerous statues and fountains, and it provides a scenic view of the Belgian Parliament building located at the opposite end.

Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium: A short walk from the BELvue, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium house an extensive collection of art spanning several centuries. This complex includes the Old Masters Museum and the modern Magritte Museum. The museums display world-renowned works by Flemish Primitives and Peter Paul Rubens, and feature the largest collection of works by the surrealist painter René Magritte.

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.

FAQs about Visiting the BELvue Museum

Why is it recommended to purchase tickets online in advance?

Booking online guarantees your preferred date and helps you avoid queues, as on-site sales are subject to capacity.

What types of tickets are available through this site?

You can purchase a standard entrance ticket including an audio guide or a Brussels Card that covers 49 attractions.

Does the museum provide a place to store heavy coats or umbrellas?

Yes, visitors can use the free cloakroom and lockers located near the entrance to store personal belongings safely.

Are there specific resources available for families with children?

The museum offers game trails for children aged 3 to 12, which are available at the reception desk.

What are the museum’s operating hours on weekends?

On Saturdays and Sundays, and every day in July and August, the museum is open from 10 AM to 6 PM.

Is the BELvue Museum open on major holidays?

The museum is closed on 1 January, 21 July and 25 December, and on 24 and 31 December it is open from 9:30 AM to 4 PM.

How can I reach the museum by metro?

The nearest stops are Parc/Park (lines 1 and 5), Trône/Troon (lines 2 and 6), Porte de Namur and Central Station, all within walking distance.

How do I get to the museum by train?

Brussels-Central station is about a 10-minute walk from the museum.

Where is the best place to park if I am arriving by car?

There are underground car parks at Rue des Sols (Albertine), Place du Trône and Rue Ducale.

Can I take a stroller or a folding seat into the museum?

Yes. The museum is fully accessible for buggies, and portable folding seats are available to take with you.

Are the restrooms equipped for visitors with families?

Yes, all restrooms, including those on the upper floors, have a changing table.

Is the museum accessible for visitors with visual impairments?

The museum offers objects to touch, embossed relief maps, explanations in braille and a digital audio guide, and coming with a companion is recommended.

What dining options are available on the premises?

The museum’s restaurant has closed while a new catering service is arranged, but there are cafés and restaurants nearby in the city centre.

Can I explore other historical sites nearby from the museum?

Yes, a staircase links the museum’s cellar level to the Coudenberg archaeological site, and a combined BELvue and Coudenberg ticket is available.