House of European History

The House of European History is a museum in Brussels dedicated to the history of the continent and the process of European integration. Established on the initiative of the European Parliament, it opened its doors on 6 May 2017, quickly becoming one of the city's most distinctive cultural institutions.

What is the House of European History?

It is a museum with a clearly educational mission — its central goal is to promote a better understanding of European history and the idea of European integration. The institution pursues this aim through several channels: a permanent exhibition, temporary and touring exhibitions, a collection of objects and documents, educational programmes aimed at different audiences, cultural events, publications, and a broad range of content made available online. This last point matters: the museum's reach extends well beyond its physical walls, allowing people who cannot visit Brussels in person to engage with its materials remotely.

Where is the museum located?

The House of European History stands near Leopold Park, right next to the European institutions — placing it in the heart of what is often called Brussels' European quarter. The location is far from incidental: the museum sits alongside the very buildings where the daily work of EU institutions takes place, reinforcing its role as a space for reflecting on the continent's shared history and future. Its geographic coordinates are approximately 50.84°N, 4.38°E.

Where did the idea for the museum come from?

The House of European History was created on the initiative of the European Parliament. The decision to establish such an institution rested on the conviction that understanding Europe's shared — and often complicated, conflict-marked — history is essential to building a European identity and deepening integration. The museum was conceived as a space for dialogue and reflection rather than a single, fixed narrative, which explains the emphasis on varied formats of presentation and the ongoing programme of temporary and touring exhibitions that bring European history to audiences beyond Brussels itself.

What role does the institution play in Brussels?

The House of European History functions simultaneously as a cultural institution and a museum, combining an educational function with a cultural one. Thanks to its proximity to other EU institutions, it has become a natural point of interest for visitors to the European quarter — tourists, EU staff, and participants in events related to European affairs alike. Its educational programme, which includes workshops and materials designed for different age groups, also gives the museum a role in shaping historical awareness among younger generations.

Frequently asked questions

When did the House of European History open? The museum opened on 6 May 2017.

Who initiated the museum's creation? It was established on the initiative of the European Parliament.

Where exactly is the museum located? Near Leopold Park in Brussels, next to the European institutions, in the city's European quarter.

What sets this museum apart from other historical institutions? Its scope is not limited to the history of a single country or period — it covers the history of Europe as a whole and the process of European integration, presented through permanent and temporary exhibitions, collections, publications, and online content.