Brussels City Museum

Brussels City Museum stands directly on the Grand-Place/Grote Markt in Brussels, dedicated to the history and folklore of the city from its foundation through to modern times.

How did the museum come about?

The idea for the museum was first conceived in 1860, and the institution was formally inaugurated in 1887. Since then it has served as the city's own museum, charting the development of Brussels not merely as a capital city but as an urban community that grew and changed together with its inhabitants over the centuries.

What is on display inside?

The collection brings together paintings, sculptures, tapestries, engravings and photographs connected to the city and its history. Among the exhibits, one item stands out for visitors in particular — a large scale model reconstructing Brussels as it looked during the Middle Ages. It offers a rare chance to see the shape of the city long before it took on its present-day form, including buildings and street layouts that have not survived to the present.

Why combine history and folklore?

The museum's programme weaves together two threads. On one hand there is a chronological account of the city's development, running from its earliest origins through successive centuries into the modern era. On the other, there is folklore — the traditions, customs and everyday culture of the people who lived in Brussels. Together these strands mean the exhibition is not limited to dry historical facts but also conveys what daily life in the city looked like across different periods.

Where exactly is it located?

The museum occupies a building on the Grand-Place/Grote Markt, the main square of Brussels and a natural landmark for anyone exploring the historic centre. Because of this location, a visit can easily be combined with a walk around the square itself and the surrounding streets.

Who is the museum for?

Given the nature of its collection — spanning art, history and folklore — the museum appeals both to visitors interested in the history and architecture of Brussels and to those who want a clearer picture of the city's urban development, illustrated by the medieval scale model.

Frequently asked questions

When was Brussels City Museum founded? The concept dates back to 1860, with the museum officially inaugurated in 1887.

Where is the museum located? On the Grand-Place/Grote Markt in the historic centre of Brussels, Belgium.

What is the museum's collection dedicated to? The history and folklore of the City of Brussels, from its foundation into modern times.

What is the museum's most distinctive exhibit? A scale model depicting medieval Brussels, alongside a collection of paintings, sculptures, tapestries, engravings and photographs.