The Comics Art Museum, at Rue des Sables 20 in Brussels, traces the development of comic art in Belgium and beyond. Its displays bring together original artwork, character stories and interactive elements, with figures such as Tintin and the Smurfs among the familiar names. The museum is housed in an Art Nouveau building designed by Victor Horta, so the visit includes both the comics and the architecture. Look for temporary exhibitions as well as the permanent displays, then browse the shop for books and comic-related collectibles.
Belgian comics and their characters
The Belgian Comic Strip Center explores the country’s comic-making tradition through permanent and temporary exhibitions. Its displays cover the development of comic art and introduce artists, characters and stories associated with Belgian comics. Tintin and the Smurfs are among the familiar figures connected with the collection; other displays cover characters such as Lucky Luke and Spirou.
Original artwork and documents help show how comics take shape. Some exhibits use three-dimensional character reconstructions and interactive elements, giving younger visitors ways to engage with the material. The displays range from older comic strips to more recent work, so the museum is not limited to a single period or style.
Temporary exhibitions
Temporary exhibitions add a changing focus to the museum’s permanent displays. Their subjects can include an individual artist, a movement, a theme or well-known comic characters. The third floor has hosted exhibitions on Wauter Mannaert and Métal Hurlant, connecting contemporary perspectives and graphic science fiction with the wider history of comics.
Because these exhibitions change, the works and themes on view depend on the current programme. They offer returning visitors a different angle on the medium, while first-time visitors can pair them with the collection’s broader account of comic art.
Victor Horta’s Art Nouveau building
The museum occupies a building designed by Brussels architect Victor Horta in 1906. It was originally built as a department store, and its structure includes wrought iron and a glass roof. Inside, the central hall, light well and mezzanines are part of the architectural experience, alongside the exhibition spaces.
The building gives the visit a second focus beyond the comic displays. If you are interested in architecture as well as illustration, take time to look at the interior spaces while moving between exhibitions. The central hallway can also be visited without paying admission, and there is a café in the building.
FAQ
What can you see at the Comics Art Museum?
The displays cover comic art and Belgian comic characters, including Tintin and the Smurfs. The museum also presents original artwork, interactive elements and temporary exhibitions.
Is the Comics Art Museum in a historic building?
Yes. It is housed in an Art Nouveau building designed by Victor Horta in 1906, with a glass roof and wrought-iron structure.
Can you visit the building without museum admission?
The central hallway can be visited without paying admission. A café is also located in the building.
Are tickets available in advance?
Admission is paid, and advance ticket booking is recommended.
