Review and Discovery of Train World, the Train Museum in Schaerbeek

Updated June 30, 2024 by Pierre

🚂 Welcome to all train and rail transport enthusiasts! Today, we take you to discover 🚉 Train World, located in the historic Schaerbeek station in Brussels. Ready to embark on a fascinating journey through the history of trains, from ancient locomotives to modern models? For the small, teens or the older ones, in full sun or rainy weather the place is worth the detour 🕰️🚄 So, let's go for this guided tour of Train World, the unmissable train museum in Brussels! 🌟

What can you find in the train museum?

You will start your visit in the historic buildings of the Schaerbeek station. You will not be able to ignore that these have remained unchanged since 1887. The spacious hall has the same appearance as before with its wooden furniture which reveals the train ticket counters, station clocks, as well as other elements from different eras. On large screens you will see the fascinating history of the railway.

The Train World museum is divided into several sections. Each is devoted to a specific aspect of rail transport.

• The section " trains of the world » invites you to discover an impressive collection of locomotives and wagons dating from different eras.
• The section " Grand Lignes » meanwhile, invites you to board a train from the 1930s for a journey through time
• The section " Belgium 1835-2015 traces the history of the Belgian railway, from its beginnings to today.

What activities are offered in the train museum?

The Train World museum also offers various activities for young and old.

• Personalized workshops. for children are organized regularly to introduce them to the world of trains in a fun way.
• Children (and adults!) can even board iconic trains, like the Orient Express 🚂, which is a particularly fun experience.
• Guided tours for groups are also available, offering a more complete discovery of the museum and its history.

Personnellement, I love imagining life in the past aboard these historic trains, it’s a real dive into the past!

When was the Train Museum created in Brussels?

Before diving into the railway world of the Train World museum, let's first take a look at its history. It all started in the 2000s, when the SNCB decided to transform the old Schaerbeek station into a museum dedicated to the train and its history. After years of work and renovation, the museum opens in 2015 and has since welcomed thousands of visitors each year. It took 10 years to prepare for the opening! The museum therefore smells like new!

Temporary exhibitions inside Schaerbeek station

The Train World museum organizes temporary exhibitions, to offer new themes and subjects of reflection to the visitors. Until May 2023, the temporary exhibition "Trains and colors" invites you to discover the many facets of color in the world of rail. A fascinating and colorful exhibition that is sure to amaze you!

Architecture of Schaerbeek station

Finally, impossible to talk about the Train World museum without mentioning this: Schaerbeek station is a jewel of Belgian architectural heritage, which attracts thousands of visitors every year, both for its beauty and for its history linked to the development of the railway in Belgium.

• The architectural aspect of Schaerbeek station. The building, built in 1913, is a true jewel of Belgian architectural heritage. Visiting the museum is therefore an opportunity to also discover the specificities of this emblematic building.

• The station is impressive and does not go unnoticed ! The architect Franz Seulen had thought it out well, both functional and aesthetic, it is a little architectural gem.

• The station is characterized by its imposing facade which alternates lines of white stone, red bricks, and columns and sculptures representing elements linked to the world of rail, such as locomotives or angel wings symbolizing progress. You will find the main entrance to the station under a large green arcaded porch, which opens onto a majestic Salle des Pas Perdus, with an Art Nouveau style glass roof.

• You will notice, once the interior of the elegant waiting rooms, decorated with mosaics and frescoes, as well as a ticket office where you can buy your tickets. The building also houses a library, a performance hall and spaces dedicated to contemporary art.

Practical information on Train World

📅 Opening hours from Train World to Brussels can vary depending on the day of the week and the time of year. In general, the museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 17:00 p.m.

It is important to note that the museum may have different hours during holidays or public holidays, so it is always advisable to check the opening times on the official Train World website before visiting the official website here.

🎫 Entrance fees for Train World in Brussels vary according to the age and situation of each visitor.

Here are the standard rates in effect:

• Adults: 12 euros
• Children and young people from 6 to 18 years old: 6 euros
• Children under 6 years old: free
• Disabled people and their companion: 6 euros
• Groups of more than 15 people (per person): 9 euros

It is also possible to buy combined tickets for Train World and other museums in Brussels, such as the Museum of Natural Sciences or the BELvue Museum. Or with the museum pass.

🎫 Find out more about the official ticket office

Our opinion on Train World

The Train World Museum is a must-visit destination for all fans of trains and railway history, and I was absolutely delighted with my visit. This museum will appeal to children and adults alike. It is aimed not only at railway workers, but also at those who are not yet familiar with the fascinating world of trains.

By exploring the permanent and temporary collections, I was amazed by the richness of the exhibitions. Boarding iconic trains like the Orient Express was a particularly fun and immersive experience. It's a real journey back in time, and I have often imagined life in the past aboard these magnificent locomotives.

Whether you visit with family, friends, or with children, there is so much to discover and enjoy. Workshops for children and guided tours for groups provide an even more enriching experience.

If you are passing through Brussels, don't miss this opportunity to discover the exciting world of rail! Train World is definitely worth a visit.

Here are other good addresses to Schaerbeek:

• 🍴Yoka Tomo, if you like Japanese, this typical Japanese restaurant in Schaerbeek will amaze you.
• 🍴At Félix, ideal in good weather with its terrace in Schaerbeek
• 🏛️The beer museum in Schaerbeek
• 🥯A bakery to take away cinnamon rolls to die for.

Transparency and Sponsoring

We paid for our tickets and were not influenced to write this article. The links offered in the article to buy tickets are sponsored and allow us to earn a little money for each reservation (which will not cost you more). This income helps us pay for museum admissions ourselves and continue to share our experiences with you.