A very exhaustive list of ever-green places
Summer is officially here! And while summertime in Brussels is regularly getting hotter, we thought of advising you on our best picks of museum gardens and parks. No need to compromise and go indoors, because these museums offer various levels of greenery, and most importantly, mostly free to enter. Stay cool!
- The Museums at the Cinquantenaire Park
One historic park and a home to 3 major museums: The Art & History Museum, Autoworld and the Royal Military Museum. A must-visit spot for your summer in Brussels, whether you are a tourist or a local. You have broad choices: one of the richest art and history collection under a roof, historical but also contemporary vehicles – so beautiful that they’re considered art pieces at Autoworld, and Belgium’s war history at the Royal Military Museum. An insider tip: Through the Royal Military Museum, you can access the top of the Cinquantenaire arches. Now, that’s a majestic view!
2. The House of European History
Located by the Parc Léopold, the House of European History offers a scenic background for your picnics and friendly strolls in the park. The museum is open 24/7 for free and the exhibits are available in all 24 official European Union languages. Expect to learn more about Europe’s history and its contemplation towards the future.
3. The Erasmus House
Sunshine or rain, the Maison d’Erasme garden is certainly one of the most romantic museum spots. With little nooks to sit under a tree, philosophical ponds and a medicinal plant garden. At the beginning of summer, their rose arches set the tone – this place is magic!
4. Van Buuren Museum & Gardens
Speaking of magic, the Van Buuren Museum & Gardens represent not only magic, but a story of love. The gardens surrounding the house was an extension to the aesthetic and intellectual world of David and Alice Van Buuren. Alice, a lover of roses, commissioned the garden of the heart, as a tribute to David, the love of her life who had passed away by that point.
5. Woluwe Museum – Centre Albert Marinus
If you like more niche and whimsical atmosphere, the Woluwe Museum is the place to be. Inspired by the Frisian houses from the North Holland, this building once was a private house at the initiative of Emile Devos at the end of the 19th century. The garden surrounding is a public space, so you can come and go as you wish.
6. MigratieMuseumMigration
Brussels, the home of over 184 nationalities, is a place of long history of migrations and therefore create the richest stories. Dive into the history of the capital: the first generation of guest workers in the city, the residents of the Petit-Château, war refugees, and the European expats who have the liberty to move across borders. Every day, new people arrive and others leave. After reading these stories, take a moment of contemplation at the museum garden. A real peaceful spot.
7. BELvue Museum
Located next to the Royal Palace of Brussels, the BELvue Museum is a place about Belgium and its history, as well as a center for democracy. You can climb to the rooftop to enjoy a heightened view around the palace, and finish your visit at their garden. A good place to take a break from the hustle and the bustle of the city, any time during their opening hours.
8. La Maison des Arts
Located in Chaussée de Haecht, The Maison des Arts is a neo-classical gem in Schaerbeek. With a large fountain at the back, and one of the most charming estaminets around its corner, the MdA is a well accessible place for all. The museum is always free to enter and often has contemporary art exhibitions on display.
9. La Fonderie
If you love cats and industrial terrains, la Fonderie garden is the place to be. A site and a place for industry and work, this place in Molenbeek is located where it was formerly referred as the Belgian Manchester. Take a glimpse at the industrial development of the Brussel city and finish your visit with a refreshing beverage at their terrace. During the summer months, the guingette remains open until the late hours – a sweet end for a summer night. And if you pay close attention, you may spot some of the resident cats.
10. Botanique
One of the most emblematic places of Brussels cultural scene, Botanique is the place for nightlife, concerts and exhibitions on visual arts. Here, staying outdoors in the botanical garden is strongly recommended: watch the fountain go off, families playing in the greenery, sunset from above the stairs. What’s not to like?
11. The Basilica of Koekelberg
The grandest building of our city naturally offers one of the best panoramic views and a generous green space at its feet. The Basilica remains cool inside all summer long, and it is a home to 2 museums: The Black Sisters Museum and the Modern Religious Art Museum. Whether you are there for the museums or not, seeing the inside of the building is worthwhile.
12. Boghossian Foundation – Villa Empain
If Art Deco and chicness is your thing, the Villa Empain in Ixelles presents you the most fabulous garden at the back. Famous for their summer parties with DJ sets and performances in the water, the garden is also suited for a moment of tranquility by the pool around the tasteful mosaic flooring under some green shades.
13. Old Masters Museum / Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
This one may come as a surprise, but yes, the RMFAB has its own Sculpture Garden at the back. You must be attentive to find the entrance, and once inside, you can enjoy the shades of the maple trees and the sculptures: ‘La Rivière’ by Aristide Maillot, “Baigneuse” by Emilio Greco, ‘Grande Niké’ by Bernard Heiliger and ‘L’Offrande’ by Dolf Ledel.
14. KBR
Located at the Mont des Arts, the KBR stores and collects all Belgian publications, preserves Belgian historical heritage, and contains naturally, a library and a museum. The Mont des Arts garden is, as a public space, open for 24/7, but if you want something more a little more intimate, head through the main hall until the back of the building. A good spot to read, write or work a little. For an afterwork, their rooftop is open for business.
