Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium

The collections that make up the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium form a monumental complex of impressive art galleries. The six museums together contain more than 20,000 works of art across a variety of different media, from the more traditional, such as painting and sculpture, to the less obvious, such as comic strips. The upper floors of the main building are home to the Ancient Art Museum of Brussels, while the eight underground floors are taken up by the 20th- and 21st-century collections of the Modern Museum.

For many visitors, the highlight of a trip to this complex is the Old Masters collection. Art enthusiasts from all over the world flock here to see originals by Rubens, Bruegel and other Dutch Masters in what has been described as Europe’s definitive Flemish art collection.

The Modern Museum on the lower floors of the complex is where you’ll get the chance to learn more about the comic strips for which Belgians became famous during the 20th century.

The complex also includes some smaller collections that shine a spotlight on three important Belgian artists, namely Constantin Meunier, Antoine Wiertz and René Magritte. The Magritte Museum is located on site, just next to the main building, whereas to immerse yourself in the works of the other two artists you’ll have to travel several kilometres from the main complex.

Audiotours are available in English from the information desk and provide a useful commentary on everything you see. It’s worth picking one of these up if you want to learn more about the stories behind the works.

The Royal Museums are located in central Brussels, on the Coudenberg. It’s easiest to get here by metro, although those who arrive by car will find some paid parking spaces on the streets nearby. The museums are open every day except 1 and 2 January, 1 May, 1 and 11 November and 25 December. There is a small entrance charge.