Train World

Train World is a railway museum located in Schaerbeek, a municipality of Brussels, Belgium. It holds the status of the official museum of the National Railway Company of Belgium (NMBS/SNCB), making it a notable, if still somewhat under-the-radar, stop for anyone visiting the Belgian capital with an interest in transport history.

Where exactly is Train World located?

The museum sits on the site of the former Schaerbeek railway station, at approximate coordinates 50.8781°N, 4.37944°E, placing it in the northern part of Brussels, within the municipality that shares its name with the station itself. This location — a former, historic station building — gives the museum a distinctive character that purpose-built exhibition venues rarely achieve.

How was the museum built?

Train World was created using the preserved, historic buildings of Schaerbeek station. Alongside them, a brand-new exhibition shed was constructed to the north, extending the original railway infrastructure with a modern display space. This combination of old and new means visitors move through both the original, historic station interiors and a contemporary museum wing purpose-built for exhibitions.

When did Train World open?

The museum officially opened in September 2015. The opening ceremony was conducted by King Philippe of Belgium, underlining the institution's standing as the official museum of the national railway operator. The fact that the head of state personally presided over the opening signals the importance Belgian authorities place on railway heritage as part of the national story.

What is the museum's relationship to Belgian railways?

Train World is not a private collector's initiative but the official museum of the National Railway Company of Belgium, known by its abbreviations NMBS (Dutch) and SNCB (French). This status means the institution was established with, and continues to operate under, the direct involvement of the national rail operator, cementing its role as the official custodian of railway history in Belgium.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Train World located? In Schaerbeek, a municipality of Brussels, on the grounds of the former Schaerbeek railway station, at approximately 50.8781°N, 4.37944°E.

Who is the museum's official custodian? Train World is the official museum of the National Railway Company of Belgium (NMBS/SNCB).

When did the museum open? In September 2015, with the opening ceremony conducted by King Philippe.

Is the museum building historic? Partly — the museum occupies the preserved buildings of the former Schaerbeek station, complemented by a new exhibition hall built to the north.

Train World therefore brings together three elements rarely found in one place: authentic, historic railway architecture, the official backing of the national rail operator, and the prestige of an opening ceremony led by the head of state. That combination makes it a worthwhile stop for anyone visiting Brussels with an interest in the history of rail transport in Europe.