Discover the art of Brussels without breaking the bank: All about the "museum pass"

Updated on May 24, 2023 by pierre

Tourist passing through, or resident of the capital, if you are passionate about art or history, this should interest you! Indeed, if you have planned to visit the many museums of the city, in the days or weeks to come, you have surely heard of the "Museum Pass". » This pass allows you toaccess several museums in Brussels, with a single entry card.  At the same time, you can enjoy many exclusive benefits such as discounts on museum shops and restaurants.

In this article, we'll tell you everything you need to know about the Museum Pass and how it can help you get the most out of your visit to Brussels museums.

If you land in Brussels do not miss our article: Visit Brussels in one day!

You said “Museum Pass” (Brussels Museum Card)

The Brussels Museum Pass is a valuable tool for lovers of art and culture who wish to explore the many wonders the city has to offer. This pass was launched in 2018. Since then, it has continued to delight many tourists as well as Brussels residents. He offers visitors access to more than 100 museums and temporary exhibitions in Brussels and in its surroundings. Also, it offers discounts on cultural events and museum shops. It is a real gem for lovers of culture and history. If you are hungry for culture, do not miss the sequel! We are going to present to you in detail the Brussels Museums Pass, its advantages for visitors and its fascinating history.

The advantages of the museum pass

The Brussels Museum Pass is a bit of a sesame for all art and culture lovers. But what is this pass really all about and what are its benefits? Here are its advantages:

• The main advantage of the Museum Pass is undoubtedly sunlimited access to more than 100 museums in the city of Brussels and its surroundings. With this pass, you can visit as many museums as you want, without having to worry about the entrance fee. It is therefore an economical solution for regular visitors and art lovers. Even once you have visited a museum, you can return later in the year to revisit it!
• Discounts on certain temporary exhibitions, cultural activities and events organized by partner museums.
• Bypass the queues and enter the museums directly. This can be particularly useful during peak tourist periods. Ideal if you are visiting Brussels for a short time, or if you have children.
• A great way to discover all the richness and cultural diversity of Brussels and its region. Get inspired… You'll probably go to museums you never thought of. By visiting different museums, you will be able to discover unique works and art objects, as well as exciting exhibitions on history, science, music and many other subjects.
• Extra advantages: some museums will offer you a little extra: a free cup of coffee in the cafeteria, a free poster, discount in the museum shop,

In short, the Museum Pass is a must-have for all art and culture lovers who wish to discover the riches of Brussels and its region in an economical and practical way.

Museums included in the museum pass

Museums in Brussels

The most well-known museums included in the pass located in Brussels are probably the following:

• The Museum of Ancient Art : also known as the "Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium", it houses a rich collection of European art, including works by Rubens, Bruegel and Van Dyck. The museum also presents temporary exhibitions of contemporary art.
• The Museum of Musical Instruments : this museum is one of the most original in Brussels. It houses more than 8 musical instruments from around the world, ranging from the 000th century to the present day.
• The Horta Museum : dedicated to the Belgian architect Victor Horta, this museum presents the work of this master of Art Nouveau. The mansion, located in Saint-Gilles, was designed by Horta himself and is considered one of the most beautiful achievements of Art Nouveau in Belgium. Do not miss our articles on Horta and its mythical buildings.
• The Belgian Comic Strip Center : this museum is dedicated to the history and art of comics. It houses a vast collection of original works, posters and objects relating to Belgian comics. Visitors can also discover the creation of a comic strip, from the script to the final production. Don't miss our article dedicated to comics.
• The Magritte Museum : located on the Place Royale, the Magritte museum is dedicated to the famous Belgian artist René Magritte. It houses the largest collection of works by the artist in the world, as well as documents, letters and photographs. Visitors can discover the different periods of the artist's life and his painting techniques.
• The Museum of Natural Sciences : this museum is devoted to nature and the history of the Earth. Visitors can find fossils, dinosaur skeletons, stuffed animals and mineral collections here. The museum also features exhibits on evolution and the environment. Do not miss our article on the Natural Science Museum
• The Jewish Museum of Belgium : located in the European district, the Jewish Museum of Belgium presents the history of the Jewish community in Belgium, from daily life to the Shoah. The museum houses a collection of ritual objects, documents and photographs.
• The Art and History Museum : Formerly known as the Cinquantenaire Museum, the Art and History Museum presents collections of art and archeology from around the world, from Antiquity to the XNUMXth century. Visitors can discover artifacts from Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, Islamic art and more

To consult the total list of museums, go to the official website here.

Museums outside Brussels

To the delight of young and old, the museum pass will allow you to go on excursions outside of Brussels.

Here are some of our favorites:

• The Battle of the Bulge Museum : Located in La Roche-en-Ardenne, this museum offers interactive and multimedia exhibitions to explore the history of the Battle of the Bulge.
• The Natural Science Museum of Tournai : This museum offers exhibitions on biodiversity and the natural sciences, as well as on the natural history of the Tournai region.
• The Middelheim Museum of Modern Art : Located in Antwerp, this museum houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, with works by Rodin, Zadkine, Henry Moore and other artists.
• The Charleroi Museum of Photography : This museum is devoted to the history of photography, with a permanent collection of more than 80 images, as well as temporary exhibitions by contemporary artists.
• The Hergé Museum : Located in Louvain-la-Neuve, this museum is dedicated to the life and work of Belgian comic book author Hergé, creator of Tintin.

How to buy and use the museum pass in Brussels

You have the choice between buying it online or directly at a participating museum.

Tips for a successful visit to Brussels

If you plan to use the Brussels Museum Pass to visit multiple museums, here are some tips to help you optimize your time and get the most out of your experience:

1. Plan your visit according to your interests : It can be tempting to want to see everything, but it can be exhausting and unsatisfying. 220 museums in 365 days, that's more than one museum a day 🙂 So take the time to plan your visit according to your interests and prioritize the museums you really want to see first.
2. Avoid the queues : Some attractions may have long queues, which can take a long time and reduce your time to explore the museum. To avoid the lines, try to visit museums during off-peak hours, such as early morning or late afternoon. You can also book your ticket in advance online for certain attractions and exhibitions
3. Optimize your time with the museum pass. To maximize your time, try to visit several museums in the same day, especially those located close to each other.
4. Done a free Tour of Brussels

By following these tips, you can enjoy an enriching and memorable museum experience with the Brussels Museum Pass.

Conclusion

This pass offers a wide variety of experiences for all tastes. It will allow you flexible planning of your visit, the pass allows you to optimize your time and maximize your visit experience. Although the price may seem high, the Brussels Museum Pass offers excellent value for money for visitors who want to explore several museums during the year. If you are looking to discover the cultural treasures of Belgium in a practical and economical way, the Brussels Museum Pass is definitely an option to consider!