The Parlamentarium is the European Parliament’s visitor centre on Place du Luxembourg in Brussels’s European Quarter. Its self-guided multimedia route traces the history of European cooperation, including how the World Wars shaped politics, and explains the Parliament, its members and political groups. You can use an audio guide in your preferred language and explore interactive displays with children. Admission is free, but book online in advance. The visit focuses on digital exhibits and stories rather than a collection of historical objects.
A multimedia route through European history
The Parlamentarium is the visitor centre of the European Parliament, in the Espace Léopold complex on Place du Luxembourg. Its exhibits use multimedia displays to explain how European cooperation developed and how the World Wars influenced politics across the continent.
The route also covers the European Union’s history, present and institutions. A self-guided audio tour is available in multiple languages, with a device provided at the entrance. You can move through the exhibits at your own pace.
The Parliament and its members
Displays introduce the European Parliament and its role, with information about Members of the European Parliament and political groups. The centre uses interactive activities to help explain EU history, values and culture, and some displays invite visitors to share their views on topics.
A panoramic theatre experience gives a 360-degree view of Europe and its Parliament. Other parts of the visit include accounts from people around Europe. The focus is on explanations, photographs and digital displays, rather than a large collection of historic objects.
Planning your visit
Admission is free, and online booking is recommended. Choose a weekday if you would like to avoid the busiest periods; Friday may have shorter queues. The centre is suitable for children as well as adults, and the multilingual self-guided tour lets you follow the exhibits in a language you understand.
The hemicycle is one option for the start of the visit and takes about 30 minutes. Some interactive elements may not be working, so be ready to continue through the rest of the route if a display is unavailable. The visitor centre has restrooms, a cloakroom and a souvenir shop.
Häufige Fragen
Is admission to the Parlamentarium free?
Yes. Admission is free, but booking online in advance is recommended.
Are the exhibits available in different languages?
Yes. You can use a self-guided audio tour in multiple languages, with a device provided at the entrance.
Is the Parlamentarium suitable for children?
Yes. The interactive displays cover EU history, values and culture and are suitable for children.
How long does the hemicycle visit take?
The hemicycle takes about 30 minutes. The available information does not give a typical duration for the full visit.
