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Parlamentarium – Understanding Europe differently, at the heart of its democracy

The Parlamentarium invites visitors to discover European democracy from a lively, concrete and modern perspective. Located in Brussels, within the world’s largest transnational parliament, this visitor centre offers a unique immersion into the history and functioning of the European Union. Here, Europe stops being an abstract idea and becomes an experience to live, shaped by debates, decisions and human stories that resonate in our daily lives.

From the moment you enter, the atmosphere sets the tone. Screens come to life, voices intersect, images surround you. It quickly becomes clear why millions of visitors have already walked through these doors: the Parlamentarium succeeds in making a subject often perceived as complex accessible, without oversimplifying it.

A complete immersion in European history

The visit begins with a journey through the key stages of European integration. Thanks to portable audioguides, each visitor can explore at their own pace, guided by a clear and engaging narrative. From the origins of the European project to today’s challenges, the story unfolds before your eyes in a constant dialogue between past and present.

Multimedia installations create a genuine sensory immersion. The tapping of tablets, the murmurs of parliamentary debates and the echoes of decisions that transcend borders all contribute to making Europe feel like a living construction. The sober tones of the screens contrast with the energy of the exchanges, reminding visitors that democracy is always in motion.

Step into the shoes of a Member of the European Parliament

One of the highlights of the visit is the interactive experience that allows you to take on the role of a Member of the European Parliament. Working in groups, visitors negotiate, debate and vote on key pieces of EU legislation. Through this activity, the complexity of compromise, the diversity of viewpoints and the importance of dialogue become strikingly clear.

This role-playing experience makes the institutional mechanisms surprisingly tangible. Visitors begin to understand the weight of decisions and the responsibility that comes with every vote. It is a playful yet insightful way to discover how European policies that affect everyday life are created.

A Europe shaped by human stories

Throughout the visit, memorable personal stories bring the experience to life. A Member of Parliament recounts their beginnings, doubts and commitment. A young European shares how studying abroad became possible thanks to European legislation. These narratives give a human face to Europe, reminding visitors that it is built above all by people, experiences and choices.

The Parlamentarium shows that the European Parliament is not just a place where decisions are made. It is a human adventure, a shared story shaped over decades and still being written today — sometimes complex, certainly, but deeply rooted in reality.

An accessible and contemporary experience

Throughout the exhibition, education remains central to the experience. The content is clear, interactive and designed for diverse audiences. Whether visitors are new to European issues or already familiar with them, everyone finds something to reflect on and explore.

The centre encourages visitors to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding without ever imposing a particular viewpoint. This spirit of openness and knowledge-sharing perfectly reflects the ideals of the European project.

Opening times

Mondays: 13.00 - 18.00 • Tuesday to Friday: 9.00 - 18.00 • Saturdays and Sundays: 10.00 - 18.00 • Closed on 1/01, 1/05, 1/11, 24/12, 25/12 and 31/12.

Price

Free admission

Guided tour

Self-guided tour with tablets (available in 24 languages)

Tour length

The duration of the visit may be 30, 60, or 90 minutes, as visitors are free to explore at their own pace and according to their availability. • Self-guided tour with media guides (available in 24 languages).

Group

Price Free of charge

Guided tour Please book online at https://brussels-parlamentarium.booking.europarl.europa.eu/

More information • Special lunch packages are available for groups. To book, please email us at restauration-reservations-bruxelles@ext.ep.europa.eu

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