The Museum of the City of Brussels (French: Musée de la Ville de Bruxelles, Dutch: Museum van de Stad Brussel) occupies the majestic Maison du Roi (King's House) on the Grand Place. Despite its name, no king ever lived here; the building was originally the Bread Market (Broodhuis in Dutch), where bakers sold their goods. Today, it houses a rich collection that tells the story of Brussels from its origins to the present day. This article provides an in-depth look at the museum's history, permanent and temporary exhibitions, and practical tips for visitors.

History of the Maison du Roi

The building's origins date back to the 13th century, when the Duke of Brabant granted the bakers' guild permission to build a wooden market hall on this spot. In the 15th century, the structure was replaced by a stone building, which became known as the Broodhuis. After the French bombardment of Brussels in 1695 (which destroyed most of the Grand Place), the building was rebuilt in a modest style. In the 19th century, King Leopold II commissioned architect Victor Jamaer to restore and enlarge the building in a neo-Gothic style, adding the arcades, statues, and turrets we see today. The work was completed in 1896. Since 1887, the building has housed the municipal museum.

Permanent Collections

The museum's permanent collection spans over 1,000 years of Brussels history. It is spread across three floors and includes:

Ground Floor: Origins and Medieval Brussels

  • Archaeological finds from the Celtic and Roman periods, including pottery, tools, and coins.
  • Medieval sculptures and architectural fragments from the original Town Hall and other historic buildings.
  • A model of Brussels in the 16th century, showing the city before the bombardment.
  • Paintings and tapestries depicting the city's development.

First Floor: The Grand Place and Urban Development

  • Detailed models of the Grand Place before and after the 1695 bombardment.
  • A collection of porcelain and silverware from Brussels workshops.
  • Paintings by Pieter Brueghel the Younger and other Flemish masters showing city life.
  • Documents and plans related to urban planning in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Second Floor: Modern Brussels and the Manneken Pis Wardrobe

  • Exhibits on the 19th and 20th centuries, including the construction of the Royal Palace, the Palais de Justice, and the Brussels-Central Station.
  • A section on World War II and the city's reconstruction.
  • The famous Manneken Pis wardrobe: over 1,000 costumes donated to the statue since the 18th century. The museum displays a rotating selection of about 100 costumes at a time, including the Erasmus costume, the Mickey Mouse costume, and the national costumes of many countries.

Manneken Pis and the Museum's Connection

The Manneken Pis statue, located a few minutes' walk from the Grand Place, is one of Brussels' most iconic symbols. The original bronze statue (cast in 1619 by Jérôme Duquesnoy) is kept in the museum's collection for safekeeping, while a replica stands in the street. The museum displays the original along with a collection of costumes that have been offered to the statue over the centuries. The tradition of dressing Manneken Pis began in the 18th century, and today the statue receives new costumes regularly from official delegations, associations, and even celebrities. The museum's wardrobe is a fascinating glimpse into Brussels' diplomatic and cultural history.

Temporary Exhibitions

The museum hosts several temporary exhibitions each year, focusing on specific aspects of Brussels' heritage. Recent examples include:

  • "Brussels Art Nouveau" (2023): exploring the city's Art Nouveau architecture and decorative arts.
  • "The Golden Age of Brussels Lace" (2022): showcasing intricate lace pieces from the 17th and 18th centuries.
  • "Brussels in Comics" (2021): celebrating the city's comic strip tradition, with original pages by Hergé, Franquin, and others.

Check the museum's official website for current and upcoming exhibitions. Admission to temporary exhibitions is often included in the general entry ticket.

Visitor Information

Opening Hours

The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 17:00. It is closed on Mondays, January 1, May 1, November 11, and December 25.

Ticket Prices (as of 2025)

  • Adults: €10
  • Seniors (65+): €8
  • Students (18-25): €6
  • Children under 18: free
  • Brussels Card holders: free
  • Museum Pass holders: free

Note that the museum participates in the first Sunday of the month free entry scheme for all municipal museums in Brussels. For more free museum opportunities, see our guide to museums with free entry in Brussels.

Getting There

The museum is located at Grand Place 1, 1000 Brussels. The nearest STIB metro stations are Central Station (lines 1 and 5) and De Brouckère (lines 1, 5, and 4). Many tram and bus lines also stop nearby. For detailed transport info, check our STIB metro, tram, and bus guide. If you prefer to walk, the museum is a pleasant stroll from many central neighbourhoods; see walking routes in Brussels.

Accessibility

The museum is partially accessible to wheelchair users. The ground floor and first floor are accessible via a lift, but the second floor is only reachable by stairs. There is an adapted toilet on the ground floor. Visitors with reduced mobility are advised to contact the museum in advance.

Nearby Attractions and Tips

After visiting the museum, you can explore the Grand Place itself, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Other nearby attractions include the Brussels City Museum (same building), the Manneken Pis statue (5-minute walk), and the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert (covered shopping arcade, 3-minute walk). For a break, try one of the many cafés and restaurants around the Grand Place. For brunch recommendations, see our best brunch spots in Brussels.

The museum is also close to the Brussels Park and the Royal Palace. If you're interested in street art, the Brussels street art trail includes several works near the Grand Place.

Educational Programs and Guided Tours

The museum offers guided tours for groups (up to 25 people) in French, Dutch, English, and German. Tours last approximately 1.5 hours and cost €90 (plus admission). Educational workshops for school groups are also available, focusing on topics like medieval Brussels, the Grand Place, and Manneken Pis. Advance booking is required.

For self-guided visits, the museum provides free audio guides in 8 languages (French, Dutch, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, and Chinese). The audio guide highlights key pieces and provides historical context.

Conclusion

The Museum of the City of Brussels is an essential stop for anyone wanting to understand the rich history of the Belgian capital. From its medieval origins to its modern-day role as a European hub, the museum offers a comprehensive and engaging narrative. The Manneken Pis wardrobe alone is worth the visit. Plan your trip with the practical information above, and consider combining it with other cultural experiences in the city.

For more insights on living in Brussels, read The Complete Guide to Living in Brussels as an English Speaker. If you're exploring other neighbourhoods, check out Ixelles and Flagey or Saint-Gilles.

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