Great option for museum-lovers as well as those who aren’t typically drawn to the museum world.
Belgium’s love for art, architecture, history, and food means that it is an important hub for a variety of museums. With over 900 museums in this small country, there is no shortage of opportunity for education and exploration. Museums are perfect for a trip to Belgium – considering the amount of rainy weather. These five museums are a great option for museum-lovers as well as those who aren’t typically drawn to the museum world.
The Magritte Museum
Rue de la Régence 3, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
The Magritte Museum is dedicated to the artwork produced by famous Belgian surrealist artist René Magritte. Magritte used many artistic techniques when developing his work- one being surrealism in the sun – or as he called it, the vache period which was at the end of the 1940s. Magritte began his work with repetition in the ’50s and ’60s which marked his success. The museum is located in the center of Brussels. It is the largest collection of art by René Magritte, with 230 works and archives in the museum. Magritte passed away on the 15th of August in 1967 of pancreatic cancer, but his work lives in the museum and his memory in all those who appreciate it.
Museum Aan de Stroom (MAS)
Hanzestedenplaats 1, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
The MAS is a relatively new museum which opened in 2011. It is the largest museum in Antwerp and is as complex and interesting on the outside as it is on the inside. The museum is along the river Scheldt in the Eilandje district of Antwerp. The architectural style of the MAS building is described as deconstructivism. The museum is home to 500,000 museum pieces from permanent and temporary exhibitions. The temporary exhibits are meant to create a link between city and world and cover a variety of different subjects- from unique architecture to Japanese visual culture. At the top of the museum, you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the city and river.
Musical Instruments Museum (MIM)
Rue Montagne de la Cour 2, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
The renowned Musical Instruments Museum is found in the center of Brussels, Belgium. With a collection of over 8,000 instruments, it has gained popularity from visitors and Belgians alike. The museum was created in 1877 as part of the Royal Conservatory of Brussels to demonstrate early instruments to students. The museum is host to a hundred Indian instruments that were given to King Leopold II among a variety of other instruments. The museum also displays the musical history of Belgium and European musical traditions.
Coudenberg Palace
Place des Palais 7, Brussels 1000, Belgium
Coudenberg Palace was originally the residential palace of Charles V in the 12th century. A fire damaged the building in 1731 and 40 years later the palace was flattened for construction of the new royal district. What remains of the palace are the archaeological site and museum that can now be visited and explored. When visiting the Coudenberg Palace you will view Rue Isabelle, the old structures of the main buildings in the palace, and Hoogstraeten House (the origin of major archeological discoveries).
Belgian Chocolate Village (BCV)
Rue De Neck 20, 1081 Koekelberg, Belgium
The Belgian Chocolate Village is one of the largest museums dedicated to chocolate. If you visit the museum, you are given a tour that explains the stages of chocolate manufacturing. The museum discusses chocolate benefits, history, economy, and diversity. The museum also has a tropical greenhouse which mimics the prime conditions of cocoa cultivation. Arguably the best part of the museum is the chocolate workshop that allows visitors to experience the process of making artisan chocolate. The tastiest part: the chocolatiers let you taste their work!
These five museums speak for themselves. Belgium clearly has a great variety of museums and will please even the pickiest of museum visitors!
Sophia lived in Belgium for three years.
