MoMuse

MoMuse is the municipal museum of Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, one of the nineteen municipalities of the Brussels-Capital Region. Open since 2017, it traces the history of the area from its earliest origins to the present day, with particular attention paid to the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum is located at Rue Mommaerts 2A, right in the heart of the municipality, and is well served by public transport: metro lines 1, 5, 2 and 6, bus line 89, and tram line 51.

What can you see at MoMuse?

The permanent exhibition brings together around a thousand objects and photographs that together tell the story of the municipality, its inhabitants, and their everyday lives. Rather than following a single chronological line, the collection is organised into six thematic zones, each exploring a different facet of local life.

The first zone, "Land and Water", looks at the natural setting in which Molenbeek developed, particularly its proximity to the canal and river that shaped the area's economy and landscape over the centuries. The following section, "The People", focuses on the residents themselves: who they were, where they came from, and how the social fabric of the district evolved over the decades.

Housing and urban development are the focus of "Housing and Building", which traces Molenbeek's growth from its first constructions to the dense urban tissue known today. "Working and Transport" turns to the municipality's industrial and transport history, highlighting its role as an important hub within the wider Brussels region.

The final two zones deal with community and social life. "Going to School" presents the history of education in the municipality, showing how schools, teaching methods, and access to learning changed for successive generations of residents. The closing section, "Living Together", addresses the multicultural character of Molenbeek, reflecting on the different communities that have settled there over the years and shaped the district's present-day identity.

When to visit the museum

MoMuse is open Tuesday to Thursday from 12:00 to 17:00, and on Sunday from 13:00 to 18:00. The museum is closed on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Admission is free on Sundays, making that day particularly appealing for visitors who want to explore the museum without an entrance fee.

Who is MoMuse for?

The museum welcomes both individual visitors and school groups, the latter accommodated from Monday to Thursday during the morning hours. Guided tours are available for groups of all ages, offering a deeper look at the municipality's history and the context behind the objects on display.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is MoMuse located? The museum is located at Rue Mommaerts 2A, in the municipality of Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, one of the nineteen municipalities of the Brussels-Capital Region.

How many objects are on display? The permanent exhibition includes around a thousand objects and photographs, arranged across six thematic zones.

Is admission to the museum free? Admission is free on Sundays; on other opening days (Tuesday to Thursday) standard admission rules apply.

How can you reach MoMuse by public transport? The museum can be reached by metro lines 1, 5, 2, or 6, bus line 89, or tram line 51.

Does MoMuse organise visits for schools and groups? Yes, the museum welcomes school groups from Monday to Thursday during morning hours and offers guided tours for groups of all ages.