Brussels City Museum

Featuring more than 7000 separate pieces, the City Museum tells the tempestuous but fascinating story of Brussels. Here are five of the most relevant highlights of the City Museum:

1. Maison du Roi 

The building housing the City museum is itself a piece of art. La Maison du Roi is one of the most accomplished examples of the “neo” styles that were cultivated during the 19th century. It resonates with all the other buildings on the Grand Place. It is the final element of this highly original urban scenography. The rhythm of its bays mirrors those of the Baroque houses next door to it; its tower imposes itself as an elegant and feminine twin to the Town Hall.

2. Saluzzo Masterpiece

A result of cross-collaboration between many artists and artisans, the Saluzzo combines various techniques, including carpentry, painting, sculpture, moulded elements, polychromy, gilding, polished silver, stamping, to form a harmonious whole. The different aspects of altarpieces correspond to an initiatory path which focuses on the Holy family while leading us into the mystery of the birth of Christ and the encounter with the divine.

3. The Wedding Cortège 

Dating back to the 1600s from the region of Pajottenland, the Wedding Cortege is an intricately created masterpiece. The subject and its anecdotal implementation immediately invite the spectator to make comparisons between customs in the 16th century and those of the present-day, between those in Brabant and those in other regions. A search for differences and similarities. Of the fifteen different versions of the Wedding Cortege that exist around the world experts agree that the one conserved at the Museum of the City of Brussels is, without a doubt, the best version that exists.

4. The Bombardment of the Grand-Place in 1695

The only painting to show the monuments and houses of the famous square in flames during the bombing of Brussels in 1695 by the troops of Louis XIV, King of France, this anonymous piece is an extremely accomplished work of its genre. This canvas stands out thanks to the splendour of its colours and the implementation and texture of the flames, which appear to leap out of the painting and envelopes each visitor who approaches it. The scene is furthermore enhanced by the particularly alarming night time atmosphere. 

5. Manneken-Pis

While the humorous statue of Manneken-Pis is not one that would directly quality as a masterpiece, its elements and candid depiction of the Belgian state of mind are what make it such a popular attraction. Manneken-Pis personifies the city. When it is under threat, such as during the bombing of 1695, it speaks on behalf of the inhabitants of Brussels to denounce the attacker. It symbolises the spirit of the city’s resistance during the World Wars. At less dramatic times, its image was used to poke fun at the authorities gently. The inhabitants of Brussels identify themselves with this mischievous young boy, who shows no sign of pretension and appears to enjoy life.

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the City Museum being declared as a UNESCO World Heritage sight, the museum has teamed up with the Cellule Patrimoine Historique to introduce a one of its kind virtual reality tour of the Grand Place. The exhibition walks visitors through the magnificent Grand Place prior to the bombings in 1695. You will find yourself immersed in the 17th-century setting, an onlooker as you watch the structure go up in flames. One can even partake in the virtual reconstruction of the incredible palace. This immaculately designed exhibit has been vetted by architects, historians and archaeologists to make it as authentic as possible.

Ticket price: EUR 2

Being one of the oldest and most revered museums in Brussels, the City Museum has a certain code of conduct for its visitors. 

• Unaccompanied children under the age of 14 are not permitted into the museum
• Animals, other than guide dogs, and irrespective of size, are not permitted 
• Any person clearly under the influence of alcohol or drugs may be refused admission
• Objects that might cause damage to the works of art and/or the interior of the museum are not permitted
• The museum reserves the right to inspect visitors’ bags, school bags and briefcases pursuant to Belgian laws
• Eating, drinking and/or smoking inside the museum is prohibited
• The use of mobile phones and photography is not allowed inside the premises
• Visitors are also not allowed to touch or tamper with any of the works displayed 

Metro: Take lines 3 or 4 to Bourse or lines 1 and 5 to Gare Centrale.
Tram: Lines 31, 32, and 33 stop at Bourse.
Bus: Lines 38, 65, 71, and 86 stop at Gare Centrale, and lines 48 and 95 stop at Bourse.
On Foot: The museum is a short walk from many nearby attractions like the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert and Manneken Pis.