Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
Brussels, Belgium · Museum
About Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium is a prestigious complex of art institutions located in the heart of Brussels. It houses an extraordinary collection of over 20,000 paintings, sculptures, and drawings spanning from the 15th to the 21st century. The site is world-famous for its premier Old Masters collection and the dedicated museum honoring surrealist painter René Magritte.
Don't miss
- Marvel at Pieter Bruegel the Elder's legendary works in the Old Masters Museum, including 'The Fall of the Rebel Angels'.
- Explore the enigmatic and thought-provoking surrealist masterpieces inside the dedicated Magritte Museum.
- Admire Jacques-Louis David's iconic neoclassical painting 'The Death of Marat'.
- Discover vibrant 19th-century Belgian and European art movements inside the underground Fin-de-Siècle Museum.
Plan your visit
Visit on weekday mornings right at opening to explore the major galleries with minimal crowds. It is also an ideal cultural destination on rainy days in Brussels.
Admission is paid, with options for single-museum access or combined passes covering multiple collections. It is strongly advised to book timed-entry tickets online in advance, especially for the popular Magritte Museum.
The museum is a picturesque 5 to 10-minute walk uphill from Brussels Central Station through the Mont des Arts gardens. You can also take tram lines 92 or 93 directly to the Royale stop right outside the entrance.
Tips for visiting
- Consider buying a combined ticket if you wish to see both the Old Masters and the Magritte Museum in one visit.
- Large backpacks and bags are not allowed inside the exhibition halls, so make use of the cloakroom and lockers near the entrance.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes because the combined museums span multiple floors and historic interconnecting wings.
- Download the digital audio guide or museum app on your smartphone before your visit for deeper insights into key artworks.
- Step outside to the Mont des Arts terrace after your visit to enjoy one of the finest panoramic views over Brussels.
Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium FAQ
Are all the museums located under one roof?
The primary hub on Mont des Arts combines the Old Masters Museum, Magritte Museum, and Fin-de-Siècle Museum in interconnected spaces. Two smaller satellite collections, the Wiertz and Meunier museums, are located in different neighborhoods of Brussels. Most travelers spend their time exploring the central complex.
Is photography allowed inside the museum?
Yes, non-commercial photography without flash is permitted throughout most of the permanent collections. The use of tripods, selfie sticks, and flash is strictly forbidden to protect delicate artworks. Always look out for warning signs in temporary exhibitions where loans may carry specific photo restrictions.
Is the complex accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the main museum complex provides elevator access, ramps, and adapted restrooms for visitors with reduced mobility. Wheelchairs are also available to borrow free of charge at the reception desk. Staff members are on hand to guide visitors through the most accessible routes between older wings.
Is there a place to eat inside the museum?
Yes, the museum features a casual cafe serving light refreshments, sandwiches, and hot drinks during opening hours. If you prefer a full meal, the surrounding Sablon and Place Royale neighborhoods offer numerous traditional Belgian bistros and cafes just a short walk away.
More things to do in Brussels
Grand-Place Landmark
Marvel at the world-renowned central square bordered by opulent 17th-century guildhalls and the striking Gothic Town Hall.
The Atomium Landmark
Ascend this giant steel model of an iron crystal built for the 1958 World Expo for panoramic views of Brussels.
Comic Art Museum Museum
Celebrate Belgium's famous comic culture with exhibits on Tintin, the Smurfs, and classic Franco-Belgian graphic novels.
Parc du Cinquantenaire Nature
Stroll around expansive gardens dominated by an impressive triumphal arch and multiple national museums.
Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert Shopping
Browse luxury boutiques, historic bookshops, and master chocolatiers inside this elegant 19th-century glass-roofed arcade.
Les Marolles Flea Market Neighborhood
Hunt for antique treasures and vintage curiosities at the daily open-air market on Place du Jeu de Balle.
Delirium Café & Impasse de la Fidélité Nightlife
Sample from an inventory of over two thousand bottled beers tucked away in a bustling historic alley.
AI-written guide, last updated 2026-10-09. Check opening times and ticket prices on the official website before you go. Photos: Kühlungsborner, dimitrisvetsikas1969 on Pixabay.