The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium are among the most important art institutions in Europe. Located in the heart of Brussels, they comprise six distinct museums that together hold more than 20,000 works spanning from the 15th to the 21st century. Whether you are a seasoned art lover or a casual visitor, this guide will help you plan your visit and understand what makes each collection unique.

Overview of the Museums

The Royal Museums of Fine Arts are housed in several buildings in the Mont des Arts district, within walking distance of the Gare Centrale and the Royal Palace. The main complex at Rue de la Régence 3 contains the Old Masters Museum and the Modern Museum, while the Magritte Museum is located in the same block. The Fin-de-Siècle Museum, the Wiertz Museum, and the Meunier Museum are also part of the group.

Admission prices as of 2025: a combined ticket for the permanent collections of the Old Masters, Modern, Magritte, and Fin-de-Siècle museums costs €15 for adults, €10 for seniors and students, and free for children under 12. The Wiertz and Meunier museums are free. The museums are closed on Mondays, except for the Magritte Museum which is open daily.

The Old Masters Museum

This museum houses works from the 15th to the 18th centuries, with a strong focus on Flemish and Dutch painting. Key artists include Jan van Eyck, Rogier van der Weyden, Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Peter Paul Rubens, and Anthony van Dyck.

Highlights

  • Jan van Eyck – The Virgin and Child with Canon van der Paele (1436)
  • Pieter Bruegel the Elder – The Fall of the Rebel Angels (1562) and The Census at Bethlehem (1566)
  • Peter Paul Rubens – The Descent from the Cross (1612–1614) and The Adoration of the Magi (1624)
  • Rogier van der Weyden – The Miraflores Altarpiece (c. 1445)

The museum’s collection of Bruegel is the largest in the world, making it a must-see for fans of Renaissance art. Allow at least two hours for a thorough visit.

The Magritte Museum

Dedicated to the Belgian surrealist René Magritte, this museum holds the world’s largest collection of his works. It is located in the same building as the Old Masters Museum, on the third floor. The museum displays over 230 works, including paintings, gouaches, drawings, sculptures, and advertising posters.

Iconic Works

  • The Son of Man (1964)
  • The Treachery of Images (1929) – “Ceci n’est pas une pipe”
  • Golconda (1953)
  • The Empire of Lights (1954)

The museum is arranged chronologically and thematically, offering insight into Magritte’s development as an artist. Audio guides are available in multiple languages. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours here.

The Modern Museum

This museum covers the 19th and 20th centuries, from Neoclassicism to contemporary art. It includes works by Jacques-Louis David, Gustave Courbet, James Ensor, and Belgian surrealists like Paul Delvaux.

Notable Pieces

  • Jacques-Louis David – The Death of Marat (1793)
  • James Ensor – Skeletons Fighting Over a Herring (1891)
  • Paul Delvaux – The Sleeping Venus (1944)
  • Constantin Meunier – The Puddler (1886)

The museum also has a strong collection of sculptures by Auguste Rodin and George Minne. Temporary exhibitions are held on the lower floors.

The Fin-de-Siècle Museum

Opened in 2013, this museum focuses on the period from 1860 to 1914, a golden age for Belgian arts. It combines fine arts, literature, music, and photography. The collection includes works by Fernand Khnopff, Théo van Rysselberghe, and Henry van de Velde.

Themes

  • Symbolism and Realism
  • Art Nouveau and the decorative arts
  • Literary figures like Maurice Maeterlinck and Émile Verhaeren

The museum features a reconstruction of the Art Nouveau interior of the Maison du Peuple by Victor Horta. Entry is included in the combined ticket.

The Wiertz Museum and Meunier Museum

These two smaller museums are located outside the main complex and are free to visit.

Wiertz Museum

Located at Rue Vautier 62, in Ixelles, this museum was the former studio of the romantic painter Antoine Wiertz (1806–1865). It contains his monumental canvases, such as The Triumph of Christ and The Revolt of Hell. The building itself is a curiosity, with a vast skylight and a mysterious atmosphere.

Meunier Museum

At Rue de l’Abbaye 59, Ixelles, this museum was the home and studio of the realist sculptor and painter Constantin Meunier (1831–1905). It displays his bronze sculptures and drawings focusing on industrial workers and dockers. The museum is a quiet gem, often overlooked by tourists.

Both museums are open Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00–17:00, and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Practical Tips for Visitors

Getting There

The main museums are at Rue de la Régence 3, Brussels 1000. The nearest metro station is Parc (lines 1 and 5). Several bus lines stop at Royale or Palais. If you are cycling, there are bike racks nearby. For more on transport, see our guide to STIB metro, tram, and bus.

Free Entry

The Royal Museums offer free entry on the first Wednesday afternoon of each month from 13:00. Additionally, the Wiertz and Meunier museums are always free. For more free cultural activities, check our list of museums with free entry.

Nearby Attractions

The museums are located near the Royal Palace, the Mont des Arts garden, and the Sablon district. You can easily combine a visit with a walk through the city centre walking routes.

Food and Drink

The museum café offers light meals and coffee. For a heartier meal, the Sablon area has many restaurants. For brunch options, see our best brunch spots.

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