Why visit Autoworld in Brussels?
Autoworld Brussels is Belgium’s National Automobile Museum, housed in the South Hall of the magnificent Cinquantenaire Park complex. Opened on 29th September 1986, this museum showcases over 300 vehicles spanning from 1896 to contemporary supercars, making it one of Europe’s most prominent car museums. The collection was founded through the initiative of entrepreneur Charly De Pauw, with support from renowned collector Ghislain Mahy, whose passion for vintage cars began in 1944 when he purchased his first classic — a Ford Model T.
- To skip the explanation and buy your Autoworld ticket, head this way.
The Autoworld collection is built around Mahy’s exceptional assemblage of nearly 1,000 vehicles, of which approximately 200 were displayed when the museum opened. The remaining 750 cars reside at Mahymobiles in Leuze-en-Hainaut. Mahy personally restored dozens of cars throughout his life, building an exceptional collection featuring many Belgian brands including Minerva, Germain, FN, Imperia, Fondu, Vivinus, Nagant, Belga-Rise, and Miesse.
Autoworld’s location in Cinquantenaire Park adds grandeur to the experience. King Leopold II commissioned architect Gédéon Bordiau to design this vast monumental park celebrating the 50th anniversary of Belgian independence in 1880. The neoclassical building with its impressive glass and steel hall — boasting a remarkable 48-metre roof span — hosted motor car and cycle shows from 1902 to 1936 before becoming the permanent home of this automotive treasure trove.
The museum divides its exhibition space into several themed zones: Sport & Competition, Salon 1910, Mahy zone, Belgian zone, Royal zone (featuring vehicles owned by the Belgian Royal Family), Media Room, ’50s zone, Electric zone, and Supercars zone. Temporary exhibitions at Autoworld change every 2 to 3 months, highlighting specific automotive themes, iconic racing cars, legendary models, or brand histories. The museum offers a free audio guide downloadable to smartphones, providing background information, fascinating anecdotes, and fun facts about selected vehicles.
Why book the Brussels Card for your visit?
- Free entry to dozens of museums and attractions: Gain access to 48–49 top museums and cultural sites across Brussels for 24, 48 or 72 hours. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
- Skip-the-line at the Atomium (if selected): You can add an option to visit this iconic landmark without waiting — a major time saver. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Unlimited public transport (optional): With the transport addon, enjoy unlimited use of metro, tram and buses across Brussels during your pass validity. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Discounts on tours, shops, food & more: Benefit from reduced prices at partner restaurants, bars, shops, entertainment venues and guided tours. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Convenient digital format: Receive a mobile voucher or printable ticket, plus a free city & museum map — no need for physical tickets or vouchers. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
What to see at Autoworld Brussels
Walking through Autoworld’s permanent collection, you’ll encounter everything from motorcycles to fire trucks, sports cars to horse-drawn carriages, and micro bubble cars to Belgian Royal limousines. Early pioneers include a 1904 Minerva Type A and 1921 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost. The collection progresses through magnificent Bugattis and Rolls-Royces embodying early 20th-century grandeur, a 1928 Bentley, a 1930 Bugatti, and a 1930 Cord.
The Belgian automotive section at Autoworld celebrates the nation’s rich car manufacturing heritage, exploring the love story between Belgium and the automobile industry. The Sport & Competition area showcases racing cars and competition vehicles that embody the exhilarating spirit of motorsport. Contemporary displays feature modern supercars prefiguring tomorrow’s automobile technology.
Autoworld offers interactive experiences including a brand-new escape game set amongst the museum’s iconic cars, where participants work together solving puzzles to recover stolen technology — a fun and educational way to explore automotive history through team challenges.
Visiting Autoworld Brussels: practical information
Autoworld Brussels opening times and admission
The Autoworld opening hours are Monday to Friday from 10.00am to 5.00pm and Saturday to Sunday from 10.00am to 6.00pm. The museum operates 7 days a week, though exceptional closures may apply — always check the Autoworld homepage before visiting where closure dates are clearly indicated.
Admission prices to Autoworld Brussels are €16 for adults (18+ years), €13 discounted rate for children aged 4+, students, seniors, and people with disabilities, and free entry for children under 4. Booking Autoworld tickets online at least one day in advance provides a €1 discount per ticket. Museum Pass and Brussels Card holders receive free entry by having cards scanned at reception. Silver Pass (€40) and Gold Pass (€55, includes one guest) offer annual admission for regular visitors.
Guided tours with enthusiastic Autoworld guides last approximately 1 hour 30 minutes (adjustable upon request with specific themes emphasised). Group rate applies to groups of 15+ people, with an additional €100 charge per guide. Guided tours must be booked in writing and advance. Most visitors spend approximately 1 hour 30 minutes exploring Autoworld Brussels, though car enthusiasts often stay longer.
Five great things to do while in Brussels
- 🍺 Indulge in Brussels’ finest treats on a top-rated beer and chocolate tour.
- 🕊️ Take a Flanders battlefields day tour, including the Last Post ceremony at Ypres.
- 🍫 Learn how to make chocolate pralines in an expert-run workshop.
- 🚲 Go on a bike tour, and cram in more of the city’s highlights.
- 🌙 Discover Brussels’ nightlife on a pub crawl.
Getting to Autoworld in Cinquantenaire Park
Autoworld is located at Parc du Cinquantenaire 11, 1000 Brussels, Belgium, easily accessible by public transport. Reaching Autoworld by metro involves taking line 1 or 5 to Merode station. Tram and bus services also stop nearby.
Autoworld parking is complicated by the Esplanade’s car-free zone status. Visitors can park around the park or in nearby public car parks. Visitors with reduced mobility to Autoworld can report at the barrier and receive permission to park in front of the building.
Autoworld Brussels accessibility and facilities
Autoworld welcomes visitors with disabilities, offering accessible parking directly in front of the building for those with reduced mobility who report at the barrier. The museum provides facilities throughout the building.
Facilities at Autoworld include a brasserie with separate entrance (open to non-museum visitors), gift shop, and lockers for storing personal items. Photography is encouraged throughout Autoworld Brussels — visitors can take unlimited pictures and are invited to tag the museum on social media posts..
Tips for visiting Autoworld Brussels
- Book Autoworld tickets online for €1 discount per ticket — savings add up for families.
- Visit weekday mornings for quieter experiences, especially avoiding school holidays.
- Download the free audio guide before arriving — it enhances understanding significantly.
- Allow 90 minutes minimum, though car enthusiasts should budget 2+ hours.
- Photography is unlimited — bring a proper camera or charged smartphone.
- Consider Silver or Gold Passes if visiting Brussels multiple times annually.
- Check the homepage for current temporary exhibitions before visiting.
- Try the escape game for an interactive automotive history experience.
- Combine with other Cinquantenaire Park museums — combination tickets available for the three museums.
- Visit the brasserie for refreshments — it has a separate entrance if you just want food.
Nearby attractions to Autoworld
Cinquantenaire Park surrounding Autoworld features the impressive Triumphal Arch and beautifully landscaped grounds perfect for walks. The Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History and Art & History Museum share the Cinquantenaire complex with combination tickets available. Brussels city centre is approximately 2 kilometres west with Grand Place, Manneken Pis, and Atomium within easy reach. The European Quarter (EU institutions) is nearby. Brussels-Schuman railway station provides convenient transport connections. Multiple restaurants and cafés operate throughout the Cinquantenaire area and surrounding neighbourhoods.
More Brussels travel
Other Brussels travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Travel guide to Brussels, Belgium.
- Following the Tintin trail in Brussels.
- How to find the best chocolates in Brussels.
- Planning a visit to the BELvue Museum in Brussels.
- What to expect on a first-time visit to the Atomium in Brussels.
