Brussels is often celebrated for its chocolate, beer, and fries—or rather, frites. However, beyond its famous culinary delights and bustling city centre, the Belgian capital offers an array of lesser-known museums that provide a deeper look into the city’s history, industry, and cultural heritage.
For those looking to venture beyond the usual tourist attractions, here are some must-visit museums that promise an enriching experience.
Brussels Gueuze Museum (Anderlecht) Nestled in a quiet street of Anderlecht, the Brussels Gueuze Museum is a living tribute to the city’s brewing traditions.
Attached to the family-run Brasserie Cantillon, the museum showcases the production of traditional Belgian beers such as Lambic, Gueuze, Faro, and Kriek.
These beers, once the most popular beverages in Brussels before the rise of pilsner-style brews after World War II, continue to be crafted using age-old techniques.
Visitors can explore beer cellars and brewing equipment dating back to 1900, offering an immersive journey into the history of Brussels’ beer industry. The highlight of the visit is a tasting session, where guests can sample the brewery’s distinctively sour lambics.
Don’t Miss: The 100-year-old red copper beer barrels and walls lined with vintage beer bottles.
Belgian Chocolate Village (Koekelberg) For chocolate lovers, the Belgian Chocolate Village is an essential stop. Situated near the Koekelberg Basilica, this museum is housed in the historic Victoria chocolate and biscuit factory, established in 1896.
The museum takes visitors through the entire chocolate-making process, from cocoa bean cultivation to the final product.
The site also boasts a stunning Belle Époque salon and a tropical greenhouse that recreates the conditions in which cocoa grows.
Art Nouveau interiors and historical ceramic murals add to the charm of the museum, making it a perfect blend of history and indulgence.
Don’t Miss: The Belle Époque salon’s extensive chocolate counter.
La Fonderie – Brussels Museum of Industry and Work (Molenbeek) Molenbeek, once known as “Little Manchester” due to its thriving industrial sector, is home to La Fonderie, a museum dedicated to Brussels’ industrial past.
Housed in the former Compagnie de Bronzes foundry, the museum sheds light on the city’s transformation during the Industrial Revolution.
Through an extensive collection of industrial machinery, historical documents, and oral testimonies, visitors gain insights into the city’s working-class heritage.
The museum also serves as a cultural hub for one of Belgium’s most economically challenged areas, reinforcing the importance of preserving shared history.
Don’t Miss: The tribute to migrant workers who played a crucial role in Brussels’ industrial growth.
Maison Autrique (Schaerbeek) Designed by renowned architect Victor Horta, Maison Autrique offers a glimpse into the architectural evolution of Brussels.
Built in 1893 for engineer Eugène Autrique, this historic house showcases the early work of Horta before his more extravagant Art Nouveau creations.
The museum combines exhibition spaces with original furnishings, allowing visitors to appreciate the aesthetic and historical significance of old Brussels homes. While in the area, a visit to the Schaerbeek Beer Museum is also highly recommended.
Don’t Miss: The basement washing rooms, reminiscent of Downton Abbey.
Museum of Urban Transport Brussels (Woluwe Saint-Pierre) For those fascinated by public transport history, the Museum of Urban Transport Brussels offers a unique experience.
Located inside a historic tram depot, the museum houses a collection of trams, buses, and taxis that have served the city since the late 19th century.
Visitors can trace the evolution of Brussels’ transport system, from horse-drawn trams introduced in 1869 to the first electric trams in 1894.
The museum also offers guided tours aboard restored historical trams, providing a nostalgic journey through different parts of the city.
Don’t Miss: The opportunity to book a ride on a 1935 tram through Brussels’ municipalities.
Exploring these hidden museums offers a richer perspective of Brussels, showcasing its industrial roots, artisanal traditions, and architectural gems.
For those looking to go beyond the Grand Place and Atomium, these cultural sites provide an unforgettable experience of the Belgian capital.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
