Brussels’ museums witnessed an unprecedented surge in visitors throughout 2023, shattering records and surpassing pre-pandemic figures.
According to the latest data released by the Brussels Museum Council, a staggering 4.98 million people explored the city’s cultural treasures, marking a remarkable 20% increase compared to the previous year.
Month after month, the visitor numbers eclipsed those of 2022, with peak times coinciding with the vibrant seasons of spring, summer, and the festive end of the year.
The Brussels Museum Council expressed their sheer delight at the overwhelming turnout, attributing this phenomenal success to reopening two Art Nouveau masterpieces, Maison Hannon and Hotel van Eetvelde.
“The year of Art Nouveau was also a resounding success,” exclaimed the Council in a statement to Belga News Agency.
Brussels, proudly hailed as the Art Nouveau capital in 2023, witnessed a spectacular surge in interest, with more than triple the number of Art Nouveau Passes sold compared to 2022.
This surge translated into over 13,300 visits to Art Nouveau exhibitions, showcasing a renewed appreciation for this unique artistic movement.
The success story extended beyond individual exhibit visits, as sales of the Brussels Museum Pass also reached new heights. A total of 19,742 passes were sold in 2023, a substantial increase from the 18,364 sold in 2022.
The numbers suggest a growing appetite among visitors to immerse themselves in the diverse array of museums the city has to offer.
In a separate triumph, the iconic Brussels Atomium reported its own set of record-breaking figures. In 2023, this architectural marvel welcomed a staggering 840,325 visitors, a significant leap from the 662,000 recorded the previous year.
The Atomium, with its futuristic allure, continues to be a magnet for tourists, contributing significantly to the overall success of Brussels’ cultural scene.
The Council is optimistic about the future as Brussels basks in the glory of a stellar year for its museums.
Anticipating another excellent year, the city is gearing up for celebrations tied to the Belgian Presidency of the European Council and the Surrealism Centenary.
These upcoming events are expected to boost Brussels’ cultural vibrancy further and attract even more art enthusiasts from around the world.
In conclusion, 2023 will be remembered as the year Brussels museums not only recovered from the challenges posed by the pandemic but soared to new heights, establishing the city as a cultural hotspot and a must-visit destination for art lovers worldwide.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
