An ideal experience for those who enjoy learning through wonder, observing nature in all its forms and sharing a moment rich in discoveries, with family, as a couple or solo, during a scientific and inspiring getaway in Brussels.
Institute of Natural Sciences, a spectacular journey into the heart of life
At the Institute of Natural Sciences, the story of Earth unfolds in all its richness and diversity. From the very first galleries, visitors are drawn into a world teeming with life, where nature, time and evolution reveal themselves through impressive collections and immersive displays. Here, you observe, marvel and understand—within a museum designed for the whole family, right in the heart of Brussels.
The largest dinosaur gallery in Europe
It is impossible to remain indifferent in front of the largest Dinosaur Gallery in Europe. Monumental skeletons made from original fossils command silence and instantly spark a sense of wonder. Walking among these long-extinct giants feels like travelling back in time, fascinated by their size, their shapes and the stories they tell.
Numerous interactive displays make the visit lively and accessible. Both children and adults can stop, manipulate exhibits, experiment and deepen their understanding without ever losing the thread of discovery.
Understanding humans, nature and evolution
The journey continues through the Gallery of Humankind and the Gallery of Evolution, which offer essential insights into our place within the living world. Here, visitors explore the connections between species, the transformations that occur over time and the mechanisms that shape biodiversity.
The Living Planet Gallery invites visitors to rediscover the beauty and complexity of our planet. Rich and varied collections reveal wildlife, ecosystems and the delicate balances that sustain life on Earth. The approach is educational yet captivating, leaving visitors with the feeling that they have learned naturally and effortlessly.
A vast, rich and interactive museum
The Institute of Natural Sciences is often described as immense and incredibly comprehensive, and this impression grows with each gallery visited. There is an extraordinary amount to see, observe and learn. Every space brings its own surprises, unique specimens and moments of discovery.
Visitors frequently highlight the quality of the displays, the clarity of the explanations and the richness of the content. Temporary exhibitions regularly complement the permanent collections, offering fresh perspectives and contemporary themes connected to nature and science.
Wonder as a gateway to understanding
This museum does more than simply present objects—it aims to educate through the beauty of the natural world. A genuine desire to share knowledge, raise awareness and spark curiosity is felt throughout the experience. Whether you are passionate about nature, fascinated by science or simply curious, everyone can explore at their own pace and find something to inspire them.
Tuesday to Friday: 9.30 - 17.00 • Saturdays and Sundays 10.00 - 18.00
• Closed on Mondays, 1/01, 1/05 and 25/12.
Price
adults €15 • seniors (65+) €11 • children and youngsters (4-25 years): €6 • children (< 4 years) and disabled: free of charge
Tour length
min. 2 hrs
Group
Price
(min. 15 people) adults €10 • School groups, youth associations or students: €5
Guided tour
Information & bookings: +32 2 627 42 52 • Guided tours (max. 15 people): youngsters €45 - adults €80 on weekdays, €96 on weekends • +€4 for workshops
More information
• Catering - special group formulas: catering@horetomuseum.com or +32 2 640 61 20.
• Outdoor & indoor picnic areas (subject to prior booking: +32 2 627 42 34).
Nature lovers and lovers of life have an address not to be missed: the Natural Sciences Institute! This Institute has the largest collection of dinos in Europe. Go back in time to the time of the Mosasaurs and marvel at the wonders of children's eyes, whether you are young or old! Go on a train expedition and learn all about natural sciences!
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Experience a gigantic adventure by train at a very low price: buy your tickets for the Institute and get a 50% discount with the Discovery Ticket!
Buy your e-ticket on www.naturalsciences.be and add a free Discovery Ticket voucher to your shopping basket
Look for the Discovery Ticket code on your Institute of Natural Sciences e-ticket: it is a 16-digit code.
Feel like flying? The exhibition FLIGHT reveals how animals and humans achieve to defy the clouds. From hummingbird to drone, peregrine falcon to the Concorde : a fascinating journey into the heart of flight, where nature meets technology. Discover the incredible diversity of all things that fly and make your own paper airplane soar!
FLIGHT unravels the mystery of flight in a stunning panorama of fossils, naturalized birds, and model airplanes.
Ready for take-off? An experience to enjoy solo, with family, or with your school. Ages 10 and up.
Quel est le point commun entre les oiseaux, les insectes et les chauves-souris ?
Ils peuvent voler !
Depuis toujours, les humains observent ces incroyables acrobates du ciel. Inspirés par leurs ailes, ils ont imaginé — puis construit — des machines capables, elles aussi, de s’envoler.
Mais comment le vol est-il possible ?
Qui a été le premier à quitter le sol ? Quelles forces permettent de défier la gravité ? Et qu’est-ce qu’un avion a en commun avec une chauve-souris ?
Au cours de cet atelier, vous découvrirez les secrets du vol.
Vous observerez de près les oiseaux, les chauves-souris et les insectes, réaliserez des expériences étonnantes pour comprendre comment ils volent, et comparerez leurs techniques avec celles des avions.
Après cette aventure, vous et vos enfants serez prêts à déployer vos ailes !
The museum doors close, the lights go out, and deep in the shadows the dinosaurs get ready for the night.
Is it your imagination, or is something really moving between the display cases?
When silence falls, the museum changes.
Do other creatures sneak through the dark corridors? Are the fossils breathing softly in the darkness?
Do you dare spend the night among the giants of the past?
Bring your friends or family for an unforgettable evening full of exciting activities and surprising discoveries about the museum and its prehistoric inhabitants.
And when night falls, roll out your mat, snuggle into your sleeping bag at the feet of a dinosaur, and take one last look around.
Did you see those claws move… or are you already dreaming?
The activities for Family Night can also be followed in French or Dutch .
PROGRAMME
✈️ Expo FLIGHT - Embarquez pour FLIGHT, l’exposition qui vous invite à comprendre, tester et rêver, au rythme des ailes naturelles et mécaniques.
✈️ Parcours FLIGHT - Suivez le parcours, trouvez les réponses et découvrez le mot-mystère !
Enfants de 7 à 12 ans
Parcours disponible gratuitement à l’entrée du musée ou téléchargeable
✈️ Atelier “Prêt à t’envoler” - Découvrez tous les secrets du vol lors d’un atelier participatif.
14h00 – 15h30
Enfants de 7 à 12 ans, accompagnés d’un adulte
Sur réservation via notre billetterie en ligne
✈️ Raconte-moi un oiseau - une histoire à écouter, une mini-visite et un bricolage pour découvrir l’oiseau à l’honneur en s’amusant.
25.03.2026 : le héron | 27.05.2026 : le calao
14h30 - 15h50
Enfants de 4 à 7 ans, accompagnés d'un adulte
Sur réservation via notre billetterie en ligne
✈️ Construction collective d’un oiseau mécanique géant* - Participez à une création spectaculaire et collaborative.
13h30 – 17h00, en continu
Pour tous
Gratuit
✈️ Démonstrations de vol d’oiseaux mécaniques** - Observez de majestueux oiseaux mécaniques de 4 m d’envergure évoluer le long d’un câble de 50 m, dans le Jardin de l’Institut.
13h30 – 17h00, en continu
Pour tous
Gratuit
* et ** Activités proposées en partenariat avec Mecamove
27/04/2026 - 28/04/2026:
* monday and tuesday: from 10:00 to 16:00
* wednesday, thursday, friday, saturday and sunday: closed
Price
Normal: 60,00 €
Bienvenue dans l’univers fascinant des petites bêtes à 6 pattes… et de tous leurs étonnants cousins à 8, 10, 12… et même 1000 pattes ! Pendant deux jours, votre enfant partira à la découverte des insectes, dans le musée comme dans le parc. Il pourra visiter l’Arthropodium – où vivent de vrais phasmes –, observer des spécimens de très, très près, bricoler, jouer et explorer en s’amusant.
Une aventure ludique et immersive que votre jeune explorateur va adorer !
Lundi 27 et mardi 28 avril 2026
Stage de 10h à 16h - Garderie gratuite de 9h à 10h et de 16h à 17h
Enfants de 4 à 6 ans
Prix 60 € (48 € pour les abonnés* et les membres du personnel de l’Institut des Sciences naturelles)
Bienvenue dans le monde étonnant des petites bêtes à 6 pattes… et de leurs cousins à 8, 10, 12… et même 1000 pattes ! Pendant deux jours, votre enfant explorera l’univers des insectes au musée et dans le parc. Il visitera l’Arthropodium – avec de vrais phasmes –, observera des spécimens de très près, mènera de petites enquêtes naturalistes, bricolera et jouera tout en apprenant.
Une expérience riche, amusante et pleine de découvertes qui passionnera votre jeune explorateur ou exploratrice !
Pour les enfants âgés de 7 à 9 ans
Lundi 27 et mardi 28 avril 2026
Stage de 10h à 16h - Garderie gratuite de 9h à 10h et de 16h à 17h
Prix 60 € (48 € pour les abonnés* et les membres du personnel de l’Institut des Sciences naturelles)