Brussels is a city of museums, but few captivate visitors of all ages like the Museum of Natural Sciences, part of the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences. Located in the Leopold Park district, just a short walk from the European Parliament, this museum houses one of the largest dinosaur galleries in Europe, a stunning collection of minerals and gems, and interactive exhibits on human evolution and biodiversity. Whether you are a lifelong science enthusiast or a family looking for an educational day out, the Museum of Natural Sciences offers a deep dive into the natural world with a distinctly Belgian perspective.
History and Architecture
The origins of the museum date back to 1846, when the Belgian government established the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences. The current building, a large neoclassical structure at Rue Vautier 29, was inaugurated in 1898. It was expanded in the 1950s and again in 2007 with the addition of the Gallery of Evolution, a modern wing that connects the dinosaur hall to the rest of the museum. The architecture reflects both the 19th-century passion for collecting and contemporary design: the old halls feature high ceilings and wooden cabinets, while the new wing uses glass and steel to create a bright, open space.
The museum is part of the Brussels Museum of Natural Sciences complex, which also includes the Museum of the Institute of Natural Sciences and the Museum of the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences — essentially the same institution under different names. The building underwent a major renovation in 2019–2020, updating the climate control systems and improving accessibility.
The Dinosaur Gallery: Iguanodon and Beyond
The centerpiece of the museum is the Dinosaur Gallery, officially called the Gallery of Dinosaurs. It features the world’s largest display of complete Iguanodon skeletons, with 38 specimens mounted in lifelike poses. These fossils were discovered in 1878 in a coal mine at Bernissart, in the Hainaut province of Belgium. The miners found the skeletons at a depth of 322 metres, perfectly preserved in a layer of clay. The museum acquired the entire collection, and after years of preparation, the skeletons went on display in 1882.
The Iguanodon gallery is complemented by other dinosaur fossils, including a Mosasaurus (a marine reptile) and a Tyrannosaurus rex cast. In 2022, the museum opened a new 3D dinosaur experience called “Dino Lab”, where visitors can watch scientists prepare fossils and use augmented reality to see dinosaurs come to life. The gallery also includes interactive touchscreens that explain the history of the Bernissart discovery and the process of fossilisation.
Ticket Prices and Opening Hours
- Adults: €15 (standard), €11 (reduced for students, seniors, and job seekers)
- Children (6–17): €7
- Children under 6: Free
- Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children): €37
- Brussels Card: Free entry (see our guide to free museum entry)
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday 9:30–17:00, Saturday and Sunday 10:00–18:00. Closed on Mondays (except during school holidays) and on 1 January, 1 May, 1 November, and 25 December.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the museum. It is advisable to book in advance during weekends and school holidays, as the dinosaur gallery is very popular. The museum offers free lockers and a cloakroom.
Beyond the Dinosaurs: Minerals, Insects, and Human Evolution
While the dinosaurs are the main draw, the Museum of Natural Sciences has much more to offer. The Mineral Hall displays over 2,000 specimens from Belgium and around the world, including a giant amethyst geode from Brazil and a collection of fluorescent minerals that glow under UV light. The hall also explains the formation of minerals and their use in industry and jewellery.
The Insect Gallery is home to a vast collection of butterflies, beetles, and other arthropods. One of the highlights is the “Insect City” installation, which uses large-scale models to show the anatomy of a bee, a spider, and a cockroach. There is also a live beehive with a glass wall, allowing visitors to observe the bees at work.
The Human Evolution Gallery traces the story of our species from the first hominins to modern Homo sapiens. It features casts of famous fossils such as Lucy (Australopithecus afarensis) and the Taung Child (Australopithecus africanus). The gallery includes interactive displays on genetics, brain size, and tool use, as well as a section on the evolution of language.
Biodiversity and the Belgian Coast
The museum also has a strong focus on local biodiversity. The Biodiversity Gallery showcases the animals and plants of Belgium, from the North Sea to the Ardennes. A large diorama recreates a seabed with life-sized models of fish, crabs, and seals. Another section is dedicated to the Belgian coast, with exhibits on sand dunes, beaches, and the marine life found along the 65-kilometre coastline.
The museum’s “Museum of the Earth” (Musée de la Terre) presents the geological history of Belgium, including the formation of the Ardennes and the coal deposits that fuelled the Industrial Revolution. There is also a section on earthquakes and volcanoes, with a simulated earthquake platform that visitors can step onto.
Special Exhibitions and Events
The museum hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year. Recent shows have included “T. rex: The King of the Dinosaurs” (2023) and “The Arctic: A Fragile World” (2024). These exhibitions often feature interactive elements and are included in the standard ticket price. The museum also organises night openings on the first Friday of every month, with special activities such as guided tours by torchlight, talks by scientists, and live music.
For children, the museum offers “Dino Camps” during school holidays, where kids can spend a day learning about fossils, making casts, and exploring the galleries. There are also regular “Science Cafés” where researchers discuss their work in an informal setting, and “Family Sundays” with hands-on workshops.
How to Get There
The Museum of Natural Sciences is located at Rue Vautier 29, 1000 Brussels, in the Leopold Park district. It is easily accessible by public transport:
- Metro: Line 1 or 5 to Maelbeek station (7-minute walk). Line 2 or 6 to Trône station (10-minute walk).
- Bus: Lines 34, 38, 60, 64, 80, and 95 stop at Luxembourg or Maelbeek (see our STIB guide).
- Tram: Lines 81 and 83 stop at Luxembourg.
- Cycling: There are several Villo! stations nearby, and the museum has bike racks (see cycling in Brussels).
- Walking: From the European Parliament, it is a 5-minute walk through Leopold Park (see walking routes).
If you are driving, there is a paid parking garage under the park (Parking Leopold) with spaces for 400 cars. The museum is also a short walk from the Luxembourg area, which has many restaurants and cafés.
Nearby Attractions
The museum is located in the heart of the European Quarter, so you can combine your visit with other sights. The European Parliament (Parlamentarium) is a 10-minute walk away, and the Leopold Park itself is a pleasant green space with a pond and a playground. The Museum of the European History is also nearby. For lunch, head to the Place du Luxembourg, which is filled with brasseries and sandwich shops. If you are looking for a more relaxed afternoon, the Ixelles neighbourhood is a 15-minute walk away, with its trendy shops and restaurants (see Ixelles guide).
Practical Information
- Accessibility: The museum is fully wheelchair-accessible, with lifts and ramps. Wheelchairs are available for free at the reception desk.
- Photography: Non-flash photography is allowed in all galleries. Tripods and selfie sticks are not permitted.
- Food and drink: The museum has a café called “Le Vautier” that serves sandwiches, salads, and drinks. There is also a picnic area on the ground floor.
- Gift shop: The shop sells fossils, minerals, books, and toys. It is open during museum hours.
- Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the museum.
The Museum of Natural Sciences is a must-visit for anyone interested in the natural world. Its combination of world-class dinosaur fossils, diverse collections, and interactive exhibits makes it one of the best museums in Brussels. Whether you are a local or a tourist, allow at least three hours to explore everything. For more ideas on what to do in Brussels, check out our complete guide to living in Brussels.