The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium bring together art museums on Rue de la Régence in Brussels’s Royal Quarter. Their collections span several centuries, from Flemish and other European masters such as Pieter Bruegel the Elder and Peter Paul Rubens to modern artists including René Magritte. Choose a period or collection that interests you, or allow time to explore more than one. The Old Masters galleries include paintings by Rogier van der Weyden and Hans Memling, while the connected Magritte Museum focuses on the Belgian surrealist.
A group of museums on Rue de la Régence
The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium are a group of museums at Rue de la Régence 3, in Brussels’s Royal Quarter. Their collections trace art from the 15th century to the present through paintings, sculpture and drawings. The museums include the Old Masters Museum, the Modern Museum, the Fin-de-Siècle Museum, the Magritte Museum, the Constantin Meunier Museum and the Antoine Wiertz Museum.
The complex grew from a collection established under Napoleon Bonaparte’s 1801 decree creating museums in several French departments. The Brussels collection was first displayed in the palace of Charles of Lorraine. The museum group is now spread across several locations, so check which collections are included in your ticket before you plan your route.
Flemish and European art in the Old Masters galleries
The Old Masters collection is a strong reason to give the museum time. Its works cover the 15th to 18th centuries, with paintings by Flemish artists including Rogier van der Weyden, Hans Memling, Pieter Bruegel the Elder and Peter Paul Rubens. The collection also includes work by Bosch and Rembrandt.
Look closely at the details in the paintings. A scene of everyday life, a figure at the edge of a composition or a carefully rendered landscape can hold your attention as long as the main subject. The museum’s brochure outlines major works, which can help you choose a route without preventing you from exploring the galleries at your own pace.
Choose a collection, then plan your visit
The museums focus on different periods and artists, so you can shape your visit around your interests. The Magritte Museum is devoted to the Belgian surrealist René Magritte, while the Modern Museum includes works by artists such as Paul Delvaux and Rik Wouters. The Fin-de-Siècle Museum provides another route through art from a later period. A combined ticket can include the Magritte Museum; check the current ticket details when booking.
The galleries are large enough that two hours is a sensible minimum for a broad visit. Wear comfortable shoes, and use the seats in the galleries when you need a break. Backpacks cannot be taken inside, but lockers are available and require a €1 or €2 coin. If you use the audio guide, bring your own wired headphones. Booking online is advised if you want to reduce the chance of queuing at the entrance.
Häufige Fragen
How long should I allow for the Royal Museums of Fine Arts?
Allow at least two hours to browse the galleries. The museum group covers several collections, so visiting more than one can take longer.
Can I visit the Magritte Museum as well?
The Magritte Museum is part of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts group. A combined ticket may include it; check the ticket details when booking.
Can I bring a backpack inside?
Backpacks are not allowed inside. Lockers are available and require a €1 or €2 coin.
Should I book tickets in advance?
Booking online is recommended to reduce the chance of queuing at the entrance.
