Belgian Comic Strip Center

The Belgian Comic Strip Center is a museum devoted to the ninth art, standing right in the heart of Brussels inside the former Waucquez textile department store. The building was designed in 1905 by Victor Horta, one of the leading figures of the Art Nouveau movement, and its glass roofs, cast-iron structure and period details make it a landmark in its own right, separate from anything hanging on its walls.

How did the museum come to be?

The idea of turning an abandoned warehouse into a home for comic art took shape in the early 1980s, driven by a group of architecture and comics enthusiasts that included architect Jean Breydel and cartoonist François Schuiten. The Belgian state backed the project by purchasing the building in 1983, saving Horta's work from further decay. After years of restoration, the center opened its doors to the public on 6 October 1989.

What is on display inside?

The exhibition walks visitors through the history of Belgian and French-language comics, from their 19th-century roots through the golden age of postwar publishing to contemporary formal experiments. A dedicated section is devoted to Tintin, the character created by Hergé in 1929, whose adventures have been translated into more than 40 languages and sold over 140 million copies worldwide. The museum also displays original artboards, sketches and workshop material from many other Belgian creators, tracing how a comic moves from first idea to printed page.

Why is Brussels considered a comics capital?

Belgium, and Brussels in particular, has been regarded for decades as one of the centers of European comic art — dozens of murals depicting characters from popular series are scattered across the city, turning a walk through the capital into something like reading a giant album. The center grew as a natural complement to this phenomenon, gathering the heritage of these creators in one place open to the public.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Belgian Comic Strip Center located? In the center of Brussels, inside the historic former Waucquez department store building designed by Victor Horta.

Is it worth visiting if you are not a comics fan? Yes — the building's architecture alone, considered one of the important examples of Brussels Art Nouveau, draws visitors regardless of their interest in comics.

How many people visit the museum each year? The center attracts more than 200,000 visitors a year, making it one of Brussels' most popular cultural attractions.

Can visitors see original artwork related to Tintin? Yes, the collection includes material devoted to Hergé and his best-known character, alongside work by many other Belgian comic artists.