First time visiting the BELvue Museum? This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, accessibility, and how to get there.
History and overview of the BELvue Museum
The BELvue Museum is housed in the elegant Hôtel Belle-Vue, a neoclassical townhouse right next to the Royal Palace in Brussels. As a museum of Belgian history, its mission is to help visitors understand how modern Belgium came to be.
Inside, the permanent exhibition is organised around seven social themes — democracy, prosperity, solidarity, pluralism, migration, language and Europe. These themes are explored through a combination of contemporary testimonies, historical documents and visual media, creating a bridge between past and present.
The BELvue’s gallery of more than 200 objects offers a tangible memory of Belgium: you’ll find everything from everyday items like waffle irons or bicycles to design-icon products, sports memorabilia, and cultural artefacts made by Belgian brands. The museum also offers a digital audio guide in multiple languages, letting you navigate the exhibition at your own pace.
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.
Opening hours of the BELvue Museum
- Tuesday to Friday: 09:30 – 17:00 (10:00 – 18:00 in July and August)
- Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00
- Monday: Closed for general visits (open for groups with reservation)
- Special closures: 1 January, 25 December, and other specified public holidays.
Ticket prices at the BELvue Museum
- Adult: €10
- Seniors (65+): €8
- Young adults (18–25), jobseekers, people with a disability: €5
- Under-18s: Free
- Wednesday afternoons (from 14:00): Free entry
- First Sunday of the month: Free entry
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}
How to get to the BELvue Museum & transport
Location
The BELvue Museum is located at Place des Palais / Paleizenplein 7, 1000 Brussels.
Getting around & parking
- The museum is very well served by public transport: metro lines 1 & 5 (Parc / Park), and 2 & 6 (Trône / Troon) all stop nearby.
- Nearby public parking options include Rue des Sols (Albertine), Place du Trône and Rue Ducale.
Accessibility & visitor tips for the BELvue Museum
- The BELvue is fully accessible, and tailored tours and services are provided for visitors with mobility needs.
- You can explore the permanent exhibition via a digital audio guide, available in multiple languages (Dutch, French, English, German) — stream it on your own phone.
- For a quieter experience, visit on a Wednesday afternoon — not only is the museum free, but there may also be fewer crowds.
- Consider combining your visit with the Coudenberg Palace using the combo ticket if you’re interested in Belgian history and heritage.
What you’ll experience at the BELvue Museum
Inside, expect a thoughtful journey through Belgium’s history and society, structured around seven themes: democracy, prosperity, solidarity, pluralism, migration, language and Europe. Through videos, testimonies, infographics and archival material, the museum weaves together past and present in a way that’s both engaging and enlightening.
The gallery of over 200 objects is a highlight: these artefacts range from utilitarian household items, branded design pieces, to sport memorabilia and icons of Belgian innovation. Whether you’re interested in social history, design, or Belgian identity, the BELvue offers a rich and multi-layered experience.
The BELvue Museum: In summary
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What are the ticket prices? | €10 adults; €8 seniors; €5 for youth / jobseekers / disabled; under-18 free; free on Wednesday afternoons & first Sunday of month. |
| When is it open? | Tue-Fri 09:30–17:00; Sat-Sun 10:00–18:00; closed on most Mondays. |
| Where is it located? | Place des Palais / Paleizenplein 7, 1000 Brussels. |
| Is public transport nearby? | Yes — metro (lines 1, 5, 2, 6) and multiple bus/tram routes. |
| Is the museum accessible? | Yes — accessible facilities and digital audio-guide in several languages. |
Nearby attractions
- Royal Palace of Brussels — Right next door, it’s the official palace of the Belgian monarchy.
- Mont des Arts — Scenic public garden with great views over Brussels, just a few minutes away.
- Magritte Museum — Nearby within the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, perfect for art lovers.
- Coudenberg Palace site — Archaeological remains of the former royal palace; combo ticket available with BELvue.
- Brussels Park / Parc de Bruxelles — Green space adjacent to BELvue and the Palace.
More Brussels travel
Other Brussels travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Travel guide to Brussels, Belgium.
- How to find the best chocolates in Brussels.
- What to expect on a first-time visit to the Atomium in Brussels.
- Guide to seeing the Manneken Pis in Brussels.
- Practical guide to the Autoworld car museum in Brussels.
