BELvue – Belgium's history museum in the heart of Brussels

BELvue is a museum dedicated to the history of Belgium, housed in the Hôtel Bellevue at Place des Palais 7, right next to the Royal Palace in Brussels. The building stands at the junction of Place des Palais and Place Royale and forms part of the neoclassical architectural ensemble built after the Coudenberg Palace burned down in 1731.

Where does the building come from?

The Hôtel Bellevue was commissioned by Philippe de Proft as a luxury hotel for travelers. It was erected between 1776 and 1782 as part of a large urban complex around Place Royale, developed under the supervision of French architect Barnabé Guimard. Its neoclassical facade matches the surrounding buildings that make up one of the city's most representative squares.

How did the building turn into a museum?

In 1977, the former hotel was converted into exhibition space to display royal collections. After 1992, two smaller institutions operated inside it: the Dynasty Museum and the King Baudouin Memorial. The museum in its current form, named BELvue, opened only in 2005, on July 19, and is run by the King Baudouin Foundation. In 2016 the institution underwent a complete renewal, moving away from a linear chronological narrative toward a thematic layout.

What is on display inside?

Belgium's history is told through seven themes spread across seven rooms: democracy, prosperity, solidarity, pluralism, migration, language and Europe. The permanent exhibition includes more than 200 objects — news footage, posters, charts and everyday items visitors can touch and try to identify. Among the pieces are lithographs by René Magritte, crystal vases from the Val Saint-Lambert glassworks, a typical Belgian motorcycle, and a football signed by the national team. The museum also hosts rotating temporary exhibitions exploring Belgium's place in world history as well as more local episodes.

What does the space itself look like?

Inside the 18th-century building, historic architecture meets contemporary exhibition design. Light floods in through a glass roof, and an adjoining garden offers a quiet break from the surrounding city. The museum is accessible to visitors with disabilities, with ramps, elevators and adapted restrooms available.

How much does a ticket cost and how do you visit?

Group tickets cost 8 euros instead of the standard 10 euros. Special admission conditions apply on selected Wednesday afternoons and on the first Sunday of every month. Guided group visits can also be arranged.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the BELvue museum located? At Place des Palais 7 in Brussels, between Place Royale and the Royal Palace.

Who runs the museum? The King Baudouin Foundation.

How many themed rooms make up the permanent exhibition? Seven, each dedicated to a different aspect of Belgium's history and identity.

Did the building serve another purpose before becoming a museum? Yes — from the 18th century it operated as a luxury hotel, and from 1977 it was gradually turned into exhibition space before the current BELvue museum opened in 2005.

Is the museum accessible for visitors with reduced mobility? Yes, the building has ramps, elevators and accessible restrooms.