BELvue museum

We were able to go free because Wednesday from 2 pm is open to public free of entrance fee. Can learn about the history of Belgium. Also they have rest area in the shop with high ceiling and air conditioning. A very good place for taking rest after long walk.

This is a good way to find out more about the history of Brussels. Well laid out with descriptions in several languages, including English. The exhibits were visually engaging. You can get a combined ticket to include the remains of Coudenberg Palace but, IMO, that part’s not worth visiting unless you have a particular interest in old architecture.

A very well laid out museum. Set in a beautiful old building full of columns and arches, with large scale vitrines, displaying and eclectic array of objects.

A journey into elegance, strength and history – BELvue Museum Before even seeing the art, I was struck by the beauty of the massive wooden gate — something about it made me feel like I was stepping into another era. I’ve always loved medieval films, and this doorway gave me the same thrill: the feeling of crossing into a story. The staff was genuinely kind and helpful, and the Art Deco exhibition is beautifully curated — a celebration of form, material and meaning. I especially loved the glass sculptures, vases, and decorative objects. There’s something captivating about flower vases — they feel both delicate and timeless, as if holding space for beauty in the everyday. What amazed me was the use of luxurious materials: ivory, crystal, opalescent glass, bronze, enamel, and fine ceramics. These objects weren’t just beautiful — they were crafted to last, to impress, to reflect a world fascinated with progress and elegance. The luxury comes not just from appearance, but from the mastery of craft and preciousness of matter. The sculptures of women, especially the one holding a laurel wreath, represent more than beauty. They are symbols of triumph, freedom, and feminine power in a world that was just beginning to change after the war. There’s grace, but also strength — a quiet, dignified confidence that speaks across time. One unexpected highlight was the connection to the underground Coudenberg tunnels — walking through those dimly lit, historic corridors was like time-traveling. And just before that, there's a moment that genuinely surprised me: a modern glass door opens automatically, revealing the descent into the past. That contrast — between sleek technology and ancient stone — creates a subtle but powerful wow effect. It feels like stepping into a secret chamber that has been waiting just for you. After the exhibition, I relaxed in the courtyard café — a peaceful spot with trees, umbrellas and a quiet vibe. There’s also a bookshop inside with lovely editions and souvenirs that reflect the spirit of the museum. Everything feels calm, thoughtful, and beautifully put together. If you're into design, elegance, symbolism, and a touch of mystery, this place is a hidden gem. 🌿

Wednesdays after 2pm is free. It's a great way to learn about the history of Belgium. Most other days of the week it is €10-18. I stopped in to look at the Art Deco exhibit. It was quaint, yet informative. It touched on the societal influences on the movement such as women entering the workforce, mass production, etc. It is free to the public, so I would highly recommend stopping in. Expect to spend maybe 30 minutes just for the Art Deco exhibit.

Nice museum. Nice to know about Belgium and a such nice way. English available in the museum so you can read and listen to history. Easy access. There is a locker free of charge and a coffee place in case you are hungry at the end.

Great introduction into the history of Belgium since its foundation in 1831. I love to take my visitors here. The history of the building itself, on the site of the former Coudenberg Palace, is also a great reflection of Belgian history itself. I also love the romantic courtyard café/restaurant. Don't forget to visit the Royal Park before or after the BelVue visit (and enjoy a burger in the park's beergarden).

The Belvue is a great way to learn about Belgium’s history and the story of the Belgium people. It was also a very nice surprise unplanned visit. It takes about 60 to 90 minutes to see everything and has a relatively low cost to enter. There are really great interactive displays and lots to read and discover. Give it a try and learn a bit the Belgium culture.

The BELvue Museum is something we ended up doing by accident because we were doing the Coudenburg downstairs. The BELvue Museum is a beautiful display of history spanning what I believe was two or three floors and filled with Belgian history from the wars and economic struggles to growth and prosperity. I really enjoyed seeing so many different paintings, books, and photos from throughout the cities history and thought the overall presentation was beautiful and the same can be said for the large red spiral staircase that went upstairs, so beautiful. Overall, the BELvue Museum is definitely worth checking out and something I probably should have spent more time on, but my tummy was rumbling and lunch was needed pretty soon. Just a heads up, if you do this and the Coudenburg you save on admission to both so I definitely recommend doing that!

If you want to know a little more about Belgium without reading the 500 hundred pages of a history book, this is where you want to go! The 18th century building is magnificent yet homey. The place is very peaceful. There are a lot of items to see and they have dedicated activities for small children. It's a perfect spot for a rainy Sunday morning. If by any chance the sun peeks through, you can enjoy the nice terrace for a meal. I think the restaurant has a covered terrace too... Last but not least, it's cheap! 5 euros...no excuse.

Um...I hate to say this, but BELvue Museum, you are kind of dull. I went there with the thought that I should learn something about the country in which I'm spending a week. I did that, although all that really stuck with me was the royalty (sorry, but it's the most interesting) and the crazy Flemish separatists (ooh, they sound a little nutty). Luckily, it was a free Sunday (the first of the month), or I may have been a bit peeved to spend 5 euro on it.

Belvue charts the history of Belgium, and more particularly the history of the Belgian royal family. For a country formed in the early 1800s, Belgium has a very difficult and chequered history that it's not always easy for outsiders to appreciate. This museum will help considerably: it presents a surprisingly honest view of Belgium's history, even its difficult relationship with the Congo. It's refreshingly candid, and there is enough detail to give you an extremely good overview of Belgium in a short time, without ever getting too bogged down in trivialities. You can also go down to the archaeological dig beneath the museum, where they have excavated a medieval street of shops. Most excitingly, you can gaze at a variety of Belgian royal memorabilia, including an inkstand owned by the Belgians' favourite king, Albert I. Don't miss it on a short chocolate-and-beer break to Belgium.