Royal Museum of the Armed Forces & Military History (War Heritage Institute)
Brussels
0.40 Km 00:01
Art & History Museum
A visit to the Art & History Museum is ideal for those who like travelling without leaving the city, taking the time to understand the world and being surprised by the richness of civilisations. An experience to enjoy fully, during a cultural getaway in Brussels, alone, as a couple or with family, for the pleasure of discovery and an open mind.
- Monday : Closed
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Information
Art & History Museum (MRAH) – A fascinating journey through civilizations and styles
The Art & History Museum, nestled in the heart of Cinquantenaire Park in Brussels, is one of those places where time seems to stretch, overlap and converse. From the very first rooms, visitors are invited to trace the thread of humanity, from its earliest origins to the creative impulses of the early twentieth century. Here, every object tells a story, every gallery opens a window onto a civilization, a craft, a vision of the world.
Far from a static visit, the experience unfolds as a continuous exploration, rich and stimulating, where archaeology, art and history interact with elegance. Just minutes from the centre of Brussels, the MRAH offers a cultural immersion of remarkable depth, capable of captivating both art enthusiasts and curious visitors, whether exploring with family or on their own.
From the origins of humanity to the great ancient civilizations
The journey begins far back in time. The archaeological collections lead you to the very origins of humanity, before immersing you in the great founding civilizations. Ancient Egypt continues to fascinate: the mummies, steeped in mystery, inspire silence and contemplation. A little further on, Greece and Rome reveal their sense of balance, power and organization of the world.
The monumental model of Rome inevitably draws attention. Visitors linger over it, searching for details and imagining the vibrant life of the ancient city. The spectacular Apamea mosaic, for its part, impresses with its finesse and scale, reminding us how decorative art was already a universal language.
A dialogue between continents and cultures
What stands out at the Art & History Museum is its ability to create a dialogue between cultures. Belgian and European collections stand alongside those from North America, South America and Asia, presented in a fluid and thoughtful perspective. The eye moves naturally from one to another, encouraging comparisons, awakening curiosity and the desire to understand.
Among the emblematic pieces, the great moai of Easter Island commands attention with its silent and magnetic presence. A powerful testimony to a distant civilization, it alone embodies the museum’s universal spirit. Pre-Columbian art, with its symbolic forms and carefully crafted materials, completes this global panorama, reminding us that human creativity expresses itself everywhere, in infinitely varied forms.
Art Nouveau and Art Deco: elegance as a legacy
The visit continues into more recent periods, with a particular focus on Art Nouveau and Art Deco, beautifully showcased in the new galleries. Brussels tapestries, decorative objects and furniture testify to an exceptional refinement, deeply rooted in the artistic history of Brussels and Belgium.
The Victor Horta Wolfers room is a highlight of the visit. It embodies the transition to modernity, where art enters everyday life with boldness and elegance. The lines, materials and details tell the story of an era of intense creative energy, at the crossroads between tradition and innovation.
Visitors often find themselves slowing down, observing the light playing across surfaces and enjoying the simple pleasure of thoughtfully crafted beauty. The museum then becomes a place to pause, ideal for wandering and quiet wonder.
Opening times
Tuesday to Friday: 9.30 - 17.00. Saturdays and Sundays: 10.00 - 17.00 • Closed on Mondays, 1/01, 1/05, 1/11, 11/11 and 25/12.
Price
Permanent exhibitions: adults €10 • seniors (65+) €8 • children and students (0-18 years) free of charge
Guided tour
Subject to prior booking
Tour length
2 hrs
Group
Price (min. 15 people) Adults: €8 for permanent exhibitions • children and students (0-18 years) free of charge
Guided tour Subject to prior booking (+32 2 741 73 02)
More information • Museum shop.
Weather in Brussels
Events
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Price
Normal: 20,00 € - Jeunes: 15,00 €
Découvrez les nouvelles salles Arts décoratifs du XIXe siècle, Art nouveau et Art déco belges lors d’une visite exclusive en compagnie d’un·e conservateur·trice.
Quels choix ont été posés ? Et pourquoi ?
Chaque conservateur·trice partage sa vision, son expertise et son engagement personnel dans la réalisation du projet. Les pièces les plus évocatrices - et les histoires qu’elles racontent - seront bien entendu mises en lumière.
Cette visite unique vous invite à découvrir les collections et le musée autrement, en dialogue direct avec les forces vives derrière le projet.
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Opening times
27/11/2025 - 29/03/2026: * monday: closed * tuesday, wednesday, thursday and friday: from 09:30 to 17:00 * saturday and sunday: from 10:00 to 17:00
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Price
Normal: 10,00 € - Etudiants: 4,00 € - Enfants: 0,00 € - Seniors: 8,00 €
Located in the heart of the Andes, between the Pacific Ocean and the Amazon, the region corresponding to present-day Ecuador witnessed a remarkable cultural development in the pre-Hispanic period. Long before the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, it was home to a mosaic of societies with diverse traditions, organized in networks of exchange linking the Costa (the coast), the Sierra (the highlands), and the Oriente (the Amazonian region). These populations created an exceptional material culture: finely decorated ceramics, objects crafted from stone, metal, or shell, reflecting both advanced technical skills and deep symbolic meaning. The “Ecuador” collection of the Royal Museums of Art and History comprises over 400 artifacts. Only about twenty items are currently on display in the permanent galleries. Long kept in storage without precise cultural attributions, they have recently been the focus of a study and outreach project.
This temporary exhibition offers an opportunity to present a selection of these remarkable works to the public, sharing the results of this research and highlighting the cultural richness of a lesser-known region of the Andes.
